Design Success and Failure in Relation to Syntactical Guidelines

This tree swing is a good example of putting syntactical guidelines to use to convey to the viewer the functionality and appeal of the swing.  First and foremost, the viewer perceives it to be what it is--a swing.  The swing is centered in the photograph, calling our focus to it.  There is a slight stress placed on the seat of the swing itself because of the leaf design within it that shows plainly against the blue of the ocean.  The swing is singularly by itself against a level background, and there is nothing else to distract the viewer from the impact of what a swing on the beach means.  The swing is a  tropical-looking leaf pattern design evokes imagery of beachside dwellings-- one can easily picture themselves at a beach house or hotel, on this beautiful swing, watching the waves.  The swing combined with the background conveys a sensation: the feeling of relaxation.  Thus, the swing is put into the context of its intended purpose as a product.

This is a good example of syntactical guidelines not being put to good use, and therefore the intended purpose of the image is lost.  This beautiful porcelain is gorgeous to look at, however the porcelain pieces are lined up next to each other, almost as if they were canned goods on a shelf at the supermarket.  They are grouped together by design which shows the viewer the variety of choices within a certain group; but by doing so, it takes away from the beauty of the individual pieces.  Porcelain pieces normally convey an image as delicate, behind-glass-doors, purely aesthetic products that symbolize luxury.  But by trying to show a large selection, this image takes away from such an intended feeling, and rather appear like they are perhaps not so valuable.  Perhaps if they weren't in such close proximity to each other, it would make them appear to have more value.  Also, there is not much contrast between dark and light because both the products and the background are consistently a similar color, and so the products don't pop.  I feel these products should have been photographed in a glass curio case or on bookshelf where they are intended to be placed after the consumer has bought them.  Also by placing them as if they were on display would signify more so that these are beautiful, exquisite pieces of porcelain, and that "you know you want one too."