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.

Visual VS Symbolic Language

"Economy" 

The image pictured above depicts a white piggy bank in the foreground tilted on its side with a few coins (about two pennies, two dimes, and two nickles) that appear to be falling out of it. The piggy bank is seen resting on an abstracted American flag, with some of the stars in the foreground and approximately only six stripes are visible in the background. Additionally, since the image of the piggy bank accounts for most of the composition of the photograph, it could be said that it is meant to be the focal point. One could additionally infer-- due to the details visible from the flag-- that the picture is a close-up shot. 

Responses/ Feelings to Image

• Satirical/ humorous 
• Amused (due to wit)
• In agreement with, despite slight exaggeration. 
• Understanding
• Slightly distressed
• Knowledgeable (insight to Politics and Economic state)
• Interested 

Symbols

• United States (symbolized through flag) 
• Economic crisis
• Currency (US coins)
• Piggy bank (notion of saving)
• Childhood (piggy bank) 
• Star (Symbolism of states in flag)
• Stripes (Symbolism for first colonies) 

The image's meaning is not only brought on by the symbolism created, but also by the composition of the photograph. Since the focal point of the image is the piggy bank, the photograph is introduced to the viewer through a feeling of amusement. This is due to  the relationship such an icon often has with childhood, making it witty yet intriguing to the spectator. However, when analyzing the foreground, one can come to the understanding that the symbol of the tilted piggy bank is a symbol for the Economic crisis in the United States, which in turn can cause some feelings of distress and or an interest  to obtain the deeper meaning of the context. 

MEANING 2: Interactions Between the 3 Levels of Meaning

Figure 1. The Porcelain Espresso Machine innovated by Arvin Haüsser highlights common materials by presenting them in a new context. 

As a student of Bauhaus University, Arvin Haüsser has innovatived the representation of espresso machines with his interpretation of the product, which is primarily constructed using porcelain and wood. By bringing in materials that are commonly associated with coffee bars, Haüsser is disclosing familiarity to his product in order to highlight its function and have the luxury of developing a more abstract shape (Frey).  

Figure 2. Although the overall body of the espresso machine is more organic and abstract, the product still displays features-- such as the spouts and the portafilter-- that are more representational. 

As noted in Figure 2, despite the unfamiliar shape of the espresso machine, a number of different elements found in this product are standard to any espresso machine. As a result, these components suggest the overall function of the product to the viewer-- such features include the spouts, portafilter, and the cup tray. Through the hints provided by these components, the viewer and potential user is therefore able to look at the product and immediately think "espresso".

A major factor atributed to Haüsser's innovation is his decision to craft his product in an abstract manner. Many of the components usually found in espresso machines are by their very nature functionally abstract. However, due to the long period of time for which societies have been exposed to espresso machines, their common geometrical shape has shifted from being an abstraction to a representation. It is then that by changing the formerly abstract product into a new organic and curvilinear modeled design, Haüsser is able to transform a previously mundane household object. 

Finally, despite the fact that the Porcelain Espresso Machine is a functional object, it still holds a level of symbolism. I perceive the use of materials to be a symbol of the advancement from the common use of plastics and metals and advancement into more sustainable and recyclable materials.

Additionally, the espresso machine as an item is a direct symbol for the communal activity of drinking coffee. Many cultures partake in the practice of drinking coffee and espresso drinks in the terms of social gatherings or during the morning coffee rush. By redefining the look and structure of the household espresso machine and incorporating the materials and stylization that are usually found in coffee bars, the notion of drinking coffee as a social activity is reestablished in the home environment.  Therefore, for many coffee will no longer just be a necessity in the morning, but something to look forward to as well.

Works Cited

Frey, Aaron. "Porcelain Espresso Machine by Avid Haüsser." Frsh/ Grnd: Coffee & Culture. N.p., 29 Feb. 2012. Web. 18 Sept. 2012. <http://frshgrnd.com/2012/02/porcelain-espresso-machine-by-arvid-hausser/>.

EXERCISE 1: Meaning

Representational

The Hand Pen Holder released by the Urban Outfitters online store is an adequate depiction of the merger of functionality and representation. 

The designer of this product clearly portrays a closed fist much like in the nature that one typically holds on to object such as pens, markers, and pencils. 

By representing this gesture as a pen holder, the product embodies the notion of being quirky and witty triggering a positive reaction in the viewer of the product. The subconcious connection the viewer immediatetly makes of how one goes from physical holding pens to assigning such a task to a designated cup.

Abstract

Biomimicry is an upcoming concept of looking to nature for guidance when designing new products and using our natural surroundings as a mentor for functionality and design (Biomimicry Institute). 

This relm of design results in the production of such products as the one pictured here by Pax Technologies. The company drew inspiration from the natural shape of the calla lily when developing a water mixer, due to the flowers natural shape which allows for the quick flow of water (Heimbuch). 

The final product as a result communicates the organic shape of the flower all while being able to maintain the objects functionability clear. The final product as a result communicates the organic shape of the flower all while being able to maintain the objects functionability clear. 

Symbolism

Richard Notkin has long been acclaimed for making functional ceramic objects and attaching a deeper meaning to them in addition to their given nature and functionality.

In his series of teapots all titled Heart Teapot Notkin aims at dealing with the cultural and national conflicts that surround what he refers to as "human culture". Notkin chooses to replicate images of human hearts in this series because he believes that every problem found without our society originates from the heart. In each different piece, the artist represents different instances in which different nations have generated a "dark side" of the heart ("Richard Notkin").

In the instance of this particular product, Notkin is able to denote the hardships of the heart by presenting it tightly wrapped by a metal chain and covering it in nails and bolts, to exemplify something tough enough to be made of steel. 

Works Cited

"Biomimicry Institute." Biomimicry Institute. N.p., 2012. Web. 13 Sept. 2012. 
Heimbuch, Jaymi. "Nature-Inspired Innovation: 9 Examples of Biomimicry in Action." TreeHugger. N.p., 09 Jan. 2009. Web. 13 Sept. 2012. 
"Richard Notkin." Ceramics Today. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Sept. 2012. <http://www.ceramicstoday.com/potw/notkin.htm>.