VISUAL PERCEPTION 2: Feature Hierarchy

Fig 1.  The Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven

 

The Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven (Figure 1) is an innovative and convenient invention that manages to accomplish all the essential functions that a standard oven completes while saving much needed space and energy.

 In addition to the excellent functional qualities that this product presents, the visual features make it easy to operate for any user. This is due in particular to the effective use of feature hierarchies. Here are the number of different ways in which this product achieves these different feature channels:

• Color:Although most of the product remains sleek and uniform with the stainless steel exterior, the designers integrate the use of color through lights. As one can observe, the power button is highlighted by a red light, which alerts the user that the product is ready to be operated. 
 

• Shape:While the product remains rather minimalistic and geometric in shape, the designers were able to use circular elements to identify the distinct features that this product possess.As it can be noted, the knobs are presented in this shape and additionally visual references (such as those circles on the oven's glass door) are indicators of functional attributes.

• Size: The size of the different panels and knobs make it fast for the viewer to identify where the operation tools are indicated on the product.

• Orientation:By maintaining a constant vertical orientation in all of the features of the Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven, the user or this product is able to identify where all the different functional elements are located on the product. This as a result makes it easier and faster to operate. 

• Motion: In addition to the implied motion of the the knobs, the product also possess a panel on the top right hand corner that demonstrates the different setting to each of the features as the knob is moved from one element to the other. 

• Depth cues: By having the function knobs portray depth, the user is able to identify their location much faster and can immediately understand that there is motion involved in that given feature.

• Spacial Grouping: The grouping of the different features of the product around each knob make it easier for the user to understand how each different attribute of the smart oven is activated. 

Works Cited
Breville USA. The Breville BOV650XL Compact Smart Oven. Digital image. Breville. N.p., n.d. Web. 17Oct. 2012. <www.brevilleusa.com>.

 

VISUAL PERCEPTION: Top-Down Visual Processing

Fig. 1 The Breville Barista Express Espresso machine 

The Barista Express espresso machine (Fig. 1) demonstrates the process by which an action goal is dealt with. While the directed eye movement of the product might be based on the user's experience with an espresso machine, the pattern might be somewhat similar with users who prepare espresso on a daily basis.

The process begins with a few fixations on some of the features of the machine to get a clear overview of what the product is exactly. Once the viewer has identified the object as "espresso machine" after following a pattern of scan paths, he or she might register some "look-ahead" features to have a sense of order when proceeding to making the espresso.

In my personal experience with such a machine, the "just in time" queries go as follows:

Grinder 

Brew group (group head, portafilter, and filter basket) 

Doser

Brew group 

Control panel 

Drip tray 

However, despite the level of expertise of the user, there might be some "look-ahead" queries. An example is noted in this list in bold italics: 

Grinder 

Doser

Brew group (group head, portafilter, and filter basket)

Control panel 

Doser

Grinder

Brew group 

Drip tray

Control panel 

Drip tray 

As demonstrated in the previous two lists, the espresso drinker would follow a top-down visual processing pattern when trying to create their caffeinated drink. Since the product has a number of different components, the user is required to shift their focus from one element to another in order to successfully produce a cup of espresso. By "looking ahead" the user is able to foresee what he or she has to do next. 

Works Cited
Breville USA. The Barista Express. Digital image. Breville. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. <www.brevilleusa.com>.

SYNTACTICAL GUIDELINES: Design Success and Failure

Design Success

 Figure 1. The classic but timeless design of La Cornue CornuFé stove. 

The La Cornue CornuFé (Fig. 1) stove demonstrates how simple and timeless design can be effective and appealing. This kitchen appliance demonstrates a perfect symmetry that establishes a sense of balance. Although the composition is somewhat static, it clearly demonstrates the functionality of the object by having each of the elements particularly marked. The composition of the face of the CornuFé successfully demonstrates a clear perception of its intended use.  

Instead of creating contrast through decorative elements, the designer manages to stress the function of certain parts-- such as the knobs-- to identify their purpose. By implementing the same stylistically look and feel to similar features, the designer is able to group together corresponding elements. For instance, while the knobs on the oven doors look the same, they are bigger in size and different in style when compared to the knobs that correspond to the stove top. 

Design Failure 

Figure 2. Side table, designed by Simon Moorhousein. 

The side table, designed by Simon Moorhousein, demonstrates a somewhat unsuccessful approach to the Syntactical guidelines. Although the object is able to perceive its function, the balance it presents is quite ambiguous. By having all the weight rest upon the left side of the box-like structure, the design appears weak and unreliable.

By having the user question it's reliablitiy, the product is unable to fully convey wether or not it can achieve its percieved function-- to hold books, table lamps, and other objects.

Despite its failure to comply with some of the syntactical guidelines, the product by Moorhousein still remains interesting to look at and experience because of its uniqueness brought on by its asymmetrical structure and unconventional diagonals.