Visual Techniques

1. UNDERSTATEMENT: The Accurate, by Crispin Jones

2. BALANCE: Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, by Charles and Ray Eames

The Accurate by Crispin Jones is one of my favorite designs of all time. As a watch enthusiast I think this specific watch removes all superfluous elements and focuses on the most important aspect of time in our lives, how much of it we have left. Time itself is somewhat of a made up concept; seconds, minutes, hours are words and units made by man to measure the days that pass. Most of us look at our watches to tell us how close or far we are from an unimportant number or event. The Accurate is "an object designed to remind us that life is brief and that we should seize the moment while we are here". It has been designed with minimal elements removing time and numbers, only leaving small tic marks on its mirrored face. The three hands spin by and tell you your life is slowly passing by, this makes the numbers seem trivial and unimportant. 
The polar opposite design but also an inspiration to me is the Eames Lounge Chair. The Eames Chair is one of the most famous chairs of all time and for good reason, simple balanced design. The chair looks and functions just as it should. visually we can see the strurdy metal base firmly planted on the ground, from there the warm wood tones curve and provide structure and support. Above that thick, supple leather appears to be comforting and soft. This design physically embodies all aspects of what a lounge chair should be. Simple, grounded, sturdy, supportive and yet luxurious and inviting. 
Charles and Ray Eames designed an arguably perfect chair that does exactly what it should do. Mr. Jones on the other hand has designed a watch that has thrown out the principle function of a watch but has instead replaced the boring and question of "what time is it" into the much more important question "How much time do you have left and what are you going to do with it".




Links:
http://www.mrjoneswatches.com/watches/
http://www.hermanmiller.com/products/seating/lounge-seating/eames-lounge-chair-and-ottoman.html

Movement/Motion

Melting Light, by Daniel Becker

The Melting Light implies motion in several ways, the first and most obvious way is that it appears as if the light bulb is falling from the shade. The shade itself also appears to be moving because of its undulating form. The top point of the light bulb and the center point of the shade look as if they just separated and cause a ripple to pass through the shade above. It is not just the curved wavelike for that implies motion but also our former experiences and visual associations. Most people have seen photography of water drops creating expanding waves and this lamp is very much visually similar to those images. we associate those concentric circles with ripples in the water expanding out as they become larger in radius but smaller in height, just as the shade of the lamp does. We attach those experiences and expectations to this piece and it gives it the illusion of motion.

Abisko Washbasin, by Eumar

This innovative washbasin implies motion in a few different ways, the form itself appears to be moving. It looks as if it has melted or been pulled towards the ground. Its smooth rounded curves and the angles of its descent make the form similar to that of a slide. Because of the form you can imagine the water rushing down the slope and towards the drain, falling from the edge of the basin and into the drain. The washbasin was Named after the Abisko national park in Sweden, famous for its clear waters and mimics a the flow of water in a stream. Unlike most washbasins which are just designed to trap or drain water this form is designed instead to catch water and then move it towards the drain. The product is designed to create movement and its form reflects that design intention.



http://www.danielbecker.eu/melting.html
http://www.liquidsculpture.com/images/water-drop-1.jpg
http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/wild-style-melting-decor-58815-4#slide-2
http://www.wethink.se/abisko/

Dimension, Depth, Space, Scale

Nendo. Think Black Lines, chair by Phillips de Pury & Company

The "Think Black Lines" exhibit plays with the idea of perspective and space. By distilling common designs down to simple line forms similar to those found in sketches they blend between 2D and 3D forms. When the chair is viewed from certain angles it appears almost as if it is merely an optical illusion. From other angles, however, the construction of the chair is more apparent and the structure becomes clear. While viewing the chair directly along the diagonals (top left image) the chair appears to be a flat, two dimensional similar to a drawing. By viewing the chair from the front right side (bottom center image) the different planes and depth cues of the chair become visible. As you move around the chair you are always viewing the object from a different perspective and you see a unique image that is distorted by the angle of view and the angles of the chair. You must view the chair from multiple angles to get a correct idea of the chairs correct shape in 3 dimensions. To quote the artist "The designs gently break the relationship of before and behind, and traverse at times the space between two and three dimensions. Multi-faceted and constantly morphing, they move alternately between the becoming and collapse of form."

Tone and Color

The Daeyang Gallery and House, by Steven Holl

How TONE is operating: Tone is defining the spaces of the building in this case. The interiors of the building are lighter in tone and more inviting while the exteriors of the building is darker and defines the boundaries of the spaces. The darkest parts with the heaviest tone is where the roof sits on the building defining the vertical boundaries, separating it from the sky.

The Daeyang Gallery and House, by Steven Holl

How Tone is interacting: Tone and shape are the two primary forces in these images. From the perspective of the viewer in the image to the right triangular shapes can be seen as the combination of reflection and vanishing points on the horizon creates the perception of convergence. The light interior spaces are clearly defined against the dark separating angles of the roof, reflected also in the pool. The patterns of the material of the interior along with the light on the ceiling creates a mosaic, tile like pattern of tone on the interior.

How Color is Operating: Color or Hue is one of the most defining visual elements in this design. Color clearly separates the  different spaces in the design. Warm light wood hues define the interior spaces, while blues and greens define the pool and outdoor areas depending on time or viewing angle. Redish copper Hues separate the exterior and roof elements.

More Information at:

http://www.stevenholl.com/project-detail.php?id=114&award=true

http://www.designboom.com/architecture/steven-holl-daeyang-gallery-and-house/

Architecture

Line

Frank Gehry Concept Sketch

Final Drawing of Walt Disney Concert Hall

Line is the primary tool of architects when they begin the process of design. They use these drawing to quickly get their ideas from the imagined and thought stagers into a palpable and representative idea for others to see. At the beginning stages these ideas can be extremely rough and hard to interpret, Frank Gehry is famous for his erratic and sometimes childlike sketches. Yet even his simple beginning sketches translate to his final products. Arching lines and sumptuous curves are the dominant factor in both his sketches and final works. Instead of focusing on the details or textures of the building Gehry uses the lines of his sketches to translate the most basic ideas; shapes, contours, scale, layout. Line in this case is simplified to its most basic elements. Lines for final drawings on the other hand are used to provide detailed and extact information on shape, texture, materials, objects, and other information in a concrete manner.

Shape

Le Corbusier's Villa Savoie

Le Corbusier Chaise Lounge

Le Corbusier was famous for designing with the simple shapes in mind, circles, squares and triangles. As he believed these were the basic builing blocks of architecture and design. you can see in his designs that they are very representative of those basic shapes. By taking elements of each and combining them in a new and innovative way. Unlike Gehry who designs from the abstract Le Corbusier used the basic elements to build structure and order, Curves and abrupt angles were used with restraint while squares and rectangles were used to build scale and pattern. The use of these basic elements as building blocks lends itself to a more subdued and "modern" "minimalist" feel. His designs utilize the most simple elements to their maximum potential and shed superfluous elements.

The Dot

House with Crest, by Anna Nakamura

House with Crest by Anna Nakamura

Ellipse Sky by Keiko Mana

The Humble dot has found its way into modern architecture via poured concrete. While building the forms in which to pour concrete metal bars are strung across the mold to support the massive pressure inside. These "dots" are a result of the framing and pouring process. Once these molds are removed you are left with small circular voids along the surface. These dots themselves can be very boring and utilitarian on large massive industrial buildings. But, when used purposefully with the characteristics of the material they can be quite beautiful and expressive. The different patterns that form as they are used in different ways and shapes can depict motion and define different surfaces. In the Ellipse Sky building you can see that these dots ascend and compress as they go up and around the turn of the staircase, implying motion and serving as a visual representation of the surface, much like the dots on a vector based drawing convey the intricacies of what is being represented. In this case these dots provide you with a layered view of the building with different patterns defined by shape and angle.

Blog Exercise: Visual Thinking Research

	Can you draw three squares in such a way that each of the nine dots shown in the illustration is enclosed in only one region?

Can you draw three squares in such a way that each of the nine dots shown in the illustration is enclosed in only one region?

Draw this three crossing square pattern with pencil in one continuous line so that you don't take the pencil point off the paper. You aren't allowed to go over any part of the line twice, or even cross it.

Draw this three crossing square pattern with pencil in one continuous line so that you don't take the pencil point off the paper. You aren't allowed to go over any part of the line twice, or even cross it.

To solve these two puzzles there were several mental operations of visual thinking employed. The ones that were utilized were; finding, pattern completion, visual memory, visual reasoning. As we started the puzzles we had to map the pattern in our minds as well as visualize different possible patterns and remember the lines that we had mapped out in our minds. While finding the different paths we had to retain the visual memory of the parts we had solved as well as comparing them to the rules of the puzzles. We also implied visual logic to try and figure out the best starting points and possible paths, given the rules of the second puzzle it was important to start the pattern from the right point in order to complete the puzzle. It was a combination of logic and a visual patern development that helped solve these puzzles

Visual Perception 2 / Feature Hierarchy

Dremel 4000 Rotary Tool

The Dremel brand utilizes visual hierarchy in numerous ways to add to both the visual appeal of the tool as well as its functionality. 


COLOR: Dremel uses color zones to easily distinguish the different parts of the tool. The first visual queries we have for a tool are to see how it functions and what we need to do to operate the tool. The operational buttons on Dremels are in blue as well as the logo of the tool. These blue highlights stand out from the black and gray zones on the rest of the tool. These black and gray zones are also used to distinguish the standard (gray) and precision (black) grip areas.

SHAPE: Although the majority of the shape of the tool is determined by the function and grip that the tool must have. The tool is slightly elongated while behind very thin. You will also notice that the vents and parting lines on the tool are all angled forward towards the front of the tool when it is being used by the consumer, this is indicative of the cutting and drilling uses for the tool.

M O  T   I    O     N: As reffered to in the shape section the lines and visual sections of the tool are designed to imply motion and speed. This is a highly important visual cue that the tool. Is built for speed, something that is important for a tool made for speeds up to 35,000 RPM’s


SPATIAL 
             LAYOUT
                           : Depth cues are the most important visual layout functions on the Dremel. The raised portions of the Dremel around the bevel of the buttons provide both tactical and optical sensory information to the user as to what buttons are used for operation. Also to the contrary are the recessed vents of the tool, which convey areas not to be handled during operation.

Visual Language Syntax

In this picture we see an older man in full military formalwear standing and saluting while looking to his left. He is in the forefront of the picture but located in the bottom right corner. He is shot from the chest up and cast in shadow so you cannot clearly make out his face but his medals and the details of his uniform are still mostly recognizable. The shadows make the soldier unidentifiable and ambiguous, injecting a somewhat somber tone. Behind and above his is an american flag waving from a flag pole in in the background. The sun is shining from behind it making it appear somewhat translucent against the bright blue sky framing the picture. The flag appears to be waving in the wind.

Responses: Military, Patriotism, American, Proud, Somber, War, Freedom, Respect, Elders, Bravery, Remembrance, Formality, Ritual, Fallen Soldiers, Casualties, Memories, Battles, Inspiring, Nationalism, Duty, Honor, Dedication, Brotherhood

Symbols:
American Flag- Symbolizes the country as a whole, specifically the 50 stars are a symbol for each state and the 13 stripes representing the original colonies to declare independence from England. This symbolizes the unity of the country and the history of where it has come from to where it is now. The U.S. flag is also a symbol of patriotism and nationalism as well as pride.
Uniform- The uniform is a symbol for authority and respect, as well as bravery and obedience. People in positions in power most often wear uniforms denoting their elevated status. Those in uniforms are also bound by duty and they imply loyalty and honor.
Medals- Medals on uniforms are earned for bravery in the line of duty and represent; combat, valor, bravery, and honor.
Clear blue sky- Symbol for hope and a bright future, implies warmth and clarity.

Composition:
Although the focus or positive icon in this image are the soldier and the American flag, the soldier is located in the bottom right his image is given the positive, dominant position by being located in front of the flag. The flag, however is somewhat imposing because it is so large in the picture that it extends beyond the upper and right boundaries of the image. The soldier appears to be looking left, or backwards, as if to salute the past. if the image was mirrored he would appear to be looking into the future perhaps.

Meaning 2: Interactions

“The Accurate” Watch by Mr. Jones Watches

Representational

The “hands” of the watch that read “remember” and “you will die” represent actual time on the watch. As the hands turn on the dial they point to one of twelve small black lines on the outside of the face of the watch. These marks represent the twelve hour and and 5 minute increments of time. These hands and marks make the watch still function as a timepiece but their meaning designates the abstract significance of the watch. These hands of the watch and twelve markings are also symbols for time. The mirrored dial and rim reflect and represent the wearer of the watch. As the person using the watch looks at the dial to read the time they can see their reflection in the watch.

Abstract

The Abstract meaning of this watch is the most important aspect of this watch. The watch was designed purely to remind the owner of their own mortality. More specifically the watch was “designed to remind us that life is brief and that we should seize the moment while we are here”. By using a watch to convey this message the person who owns the watch will always be reminded of this when they wear the watch or think of the time. The watch tries not only to remind us that we should savor the present but also that we should be motivated and seize our opportunities as they happen. As the red second hand ticks around the face of the watch the user is reminded that the future is fast becoming the past.

Symbolic

The short hand of the watch is a symbol of the hours that and the long hand represents the minutes that pass. The longest hand is a red arrow that specifically points to the exact second as it turns. The dial of the watch is a symbol of the wearer, as they look into the watch they will see themselves. Mirrors are most often symbols of introspection and “reflection” and this is a clear example of that.

Design Meaning- Exercise 1

1. These electronic cigarettes or "e-cigs" are made to look like real cigarettes. By Making them look like real cigarettes smokers are able to use these in place of smoking to deliver nicotine by inhaling through them. By making them look like traditional cigarettes users are able to use them to visually and habitually replace real cigarettes with these safer alternatives and can use them as a method to quit smoking.

2. Although these e-cigarettes have the same shape as a tobacco cigarette they differ in the fact that these e-cigs light up only when inhaled by the user. The tip of the "cigarette" lights up blue to both remind the user of a cigarette but differentiate it from a tradition tobacco cigarette which would light up red.Sometimes the band around where the filter area would be will also light up.

3. Symbol for an e-cigarette. Using the traditional symbol for a cigarette except for making the cigarette. By replacing the standard symbol for smoking with a battery this lets the viewer associate the old cigarette sign as well as the symbol for batteries. The combination of these two commonly used symbols implies that electronic cigarettes would be permitted in this area.