Visual Techniques: Product Design

Visual Techniques in no particular order:

Line

Boldness

Stasis

Repetitiveness

Balance

Flatness

Unity

Simplicity

Predictability

Regularity

Visual Techniques in no particular order:

Depth

Boldness

Opaque

Asymmetry

Economy

Balance

Simplicity

In the first design of the show rack, the interesting physique of it-- plain wire, twisted into the shape of a footprint- makes good use of the line to create a flat image of what we think of when we hear 'footprint'. It's rather bold, and the shape itself stands out clearly (especially in middle with the flip-flops). The shapes are very static and repetitive, but that's part of their character.  

The second design-- the chairs-- are a prime example of the kind of designs I want to create in terms of everyday-usage products.  The actual concept of these chairs is very interesting- it's just one clean line curved to form a shape similar to a question mark, that ultimately becomes a seat.  It's eye-popping in the way that a flat line is given depth in this way.  This design is very bold because of the way it incorporates the asymmetry of the line itself into the symmetry of the chair (the line curves this way and that, but ultimately evens and balances out).  I think it would be interesting if there were a transparent version of this chair, but the opaque colors help to define the outline of the chair better.  It's not intricate and it's rather economy, but I think that was it's designer's purpose because any more detail would take away from it's overall appeal.

CONTRAST

In this example of contrast being used well in design, the color palate is what stands out first.  The use of red, white, and of differing tones of grey provide a nice, even-looking room interior.  The color red has been chosen to accent the living areas and the furniture in the room.  Soft grey hues provide a backdrop, and even the way the shadows drape down the side of the wall provide a nice hint of interest.  The theme of shapes for this room is very box oriented; just about everything in the room except for the chairs and the lamps has an angular, rectangle look to it.  This uniform approach is pleasing to the eye and does not create a discomforting disharmony to the viewer.  Lastly, the size of everything is pleasing as well- there's a set amount of space for the chairs which is ample room to sit in, the red drawers above the television are skinny enough to not draw too much attention, and the lamp is small enough to give enough light but to not be overpowering.  The use of all of these components together gives this room meaning: it says that here is an open and friendly space ready for you to use and relax your body and mind in.

In this example of contrast being used poorly in design, the various uses of mis-matching color has taken over the rest of the design of this bed.  There seems to be no apparent color scheme here; simply the designer must have wanted the bed to POP and catch the viewer's attention.  It is a children's bed, so in addition it is meant to give a cheery feel to the room.  However, because there is not one singular thing to focus on, the eye is drawn from object to object in random order and is not given a path to follow and the viewer's attention is bombarded with colors and things vying for attention from all sides.  And so instead of any one thing or concept being sharpened by contrasts in color, the overuse of it takes away from what was intended.  For the viewer, this bed is unsettling that way: perhaps if the design on the blue bed sheet were allowed more focus by having the rest of the covers simply remain varying shades of blue, it would have a more calming, composed effect. I do like the dotted backboard, however the board appears to be coordinated to fit the size of the mattress and thereby making the bed itself appear even smaller, giving the effect that the bed is overrun by colors and pillows and accessories.