Good & Bad Design

As a clean and tidy person, I decided to check out some cleaning supplies. The top picture is of some products that I think look old and out dated. I'm not even sure why there is a chicken coming out of an egg on the powder cleaner and what it has to do with the cleaning product. The Laundry detergent at least has a nice shape to its bottle. The clear scrub is the most appealing to me but only because it looks like it might have some sparkle to the label, representing how it will leave my sink. The green on the laundry detergent is a catchy color, but it looks old to me. Nothing really stands out. The air freshener is nothing spectacular that sticks out and screams buy me. It looks old and tired.

 I really appreciate the play on words on the second picture. I think that is clever. The bottles are the perfect size to grip by the hand without any awkwardness. You understand what the product is intended to clean by it's label. The label draws attention with its fun colors and little pictures. It does have the same green color as the laundry soap, but it is not so much and has other bright colors to move the eyes across the design. They both average between $2.99 and $5.99. 

                           

 

Just for fun I decided to compare these different condoms. The Trojan brand is probably the most familiar brand of the three. Its blue box with the white label is appealing and easy to read and understand. The yellow headline announcing the value pack stands out. The Durex brand is not as well known. It has the two toned colors on the box. It has a feather on it in the same color maybe to insinuate "you'll be tickled"?

The bottom picture another play on words which is why I picked it. It is the Sir Richard's brand. I like the styling of the box. It looks almost like it is an illusion with all the lines and shading. The different color represents the style or size. 

Both the Sir Richard's and the Trojans run between $12.00 and $15.00 for a 12 pack while the Durex brand was a cheap $6.99 for 24. In doing some research on the Sir Richard's company, I discovered that they give back- For every condom purchased, they donate to one to help prevent the spread of diseases in third world countries. 

Gestalt Principals

I'm Trying to decide if this is one of the laws or maybe just a figure/ground relationship. To me this picture looks as if the statue is shielding himself from the rays of light coming into the room. I love the angle of light cutting down from the glorious windows. The different textures of the flooring is crazy. You can also see the curve of the wall just below the top row of windows.

              

This is my interpretation of the law of continuity. The water is following the path of least resistance by continuing downstream. I like how you can see the reflection of the trees and the distinct textural differences. I also love the rays of sun beaming through the top corner. This is a harmonious picture and brings me joy. 

   

To me, this represents the law of similarity with all the chairs and the glass dividers grouped into sections. They are balanced and spaced at coordinating and complimentary intervals.   Everything is so linear and precise.  

This picture seen as a whole represents the law of closure. You can see both levels in this shot. The ground level has the horizontal flooring. The glass dividers on the next level bring a vertical angle and makes your eye keep moving up following the staircase. Finally your eyes rest on the horizontal ceiling with its double row of inset lighting. You get a top to bottom glance in this photo.  

Contrast, Balance, Harmony

This is a campus that I was interested in in Oregon. I walked all over and checked out the different buildings and common areas. This particular area stood out to me as a beautiful place of solitude and reflection. Behind me is a small coffee shop with a few outdoor tables. The bench off to the right is where you'd find me. 

The contrast of the different leaves in various shades seem to draw your eyes to the top where the blue sky adds the complimentary hue that brings the picture together. It almost forms a triangular shape. The sidewalk leads you right up the middle of the picture, almost like this is the main focus. The trees are slightly blurry and out of focus. 

The colors blend in a harmonious way creating a nice balance. You can see the different shadows the sun is creating from the trees and buildings. There is texture in the trees themselves as well as the grass and leaf mixture, and the sidewalk with its cool, smooth surface. It looks like the ray of light could cut right through the trees to the left and that the red leaved tree was randomly placed there for the added pop of color. This place looks very welcoming and inviting to me. I would enjoy sipping a nice cup of coffee and relaxing after an invigorating day of classes.

Viseral Beauty

                                     Viseral Beauty

This is a picture that I took off of our balcony in Cabo San Lucas. They are basically the same picture, just a night version and a day version. I very much love landscapes, sunsets, and  nature at its finest. To me there is nothing more beautiful and awe inspiring than the different shades of our amazing sky. In the night picture you can see the reflection of the full moon on the ocean, the lit up windows of houses and the flash added the purple flowers at the bottom. 

The second picture during the day adds more texture in the hill the houses are built on.It draws my eye to the top of the hill because I want to know what the view from up there looks like. The texture on the flowers in both stand out with the contrast of green and purple and their bushiness. 

The contrast of colors in the bottom one with the ocean meeting the sky is a wondrous feeling that makes me want to just sit and stare and watch for the glimpse of the sun setting into the ocean and the spectacular flash of light that makes you cry from the beauty. 

Coming from the desert of Southern Utah, to me this represents vacation, relaxation, and a time to appreciate what I have and what I work for. This is a time of freedom and pleasure, as well as indulgence. It gives me time to clear my head, refresh my outlook, and regenerate my spirit.