2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

IED Activity 6.2a Visual Analysis Automoblox Page 1

Activity 6.2 Visual Analysis Automoblox

Introduction
What is it about an object that captures a persons attention? Is it the color of an object
that emphasizes its presence? That might explain why a kindergarten classroom is full
of reds, yellows, and blues. Is it the organic curves of an objects form, like the body of a
sports car? Could it be a repeating series of shapes, such as a tile pattern in a
bathroom? Is it the visual rhythm of the wood grain that makes a person purchase a fine
piece of furniture? Perhaps it is a matter of symmetry, or a lack of it. Sometimes the
sheer scale of an object or a space within it demands attention. Could that be another
reason why people are attracted to cities?

In this activity, working in a team of two or three, you will act as an engineering team for
a novelty toy company. Your company has noticed the skyrocketing sales of the
Automoblox vehicles and would like to design accessories or enhancements that can be
purchased separately but will work with the existing toys. As a first step, your team has
been assigned the task of reverse engineering one of the Automoblox vehicles. This will
begin with a visual analysis to identify the visual design principles and elements that
give the vehicle its visual appeal, or lack thereof. You will use a digital camera to aid
you in your visual analysis. And, finally, you will describe the Automoblox vehicle using
the language of visual design principles and elements.

Equipment
Engineering notebook
Digital camera
Automoblox vehicle
A copy of the Visual Design Principles and Elements Matrix
Procedure
Perform a visual analysis of the Automoblox vehicle using the following procedure:
a. In your engineering notebook, identify the product and the manufacturer.
b. Using a digital camera, take at least three pictures of the product from
different angles.
c. Add the images to this document (delete the example below and add your
images)
d. Create a caption under each image that identifies the particular view front
view, right side view, isometric view, etc.
e. Next to each image, write a description of the visual design principles and
elements that are evident from that particular view.

2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
IED Activity 6.2a Visual Analysis Automoblox Page 2

















































Left Side
View
This view of the automobile shows the contrast
between the blue and light brown colors. The
wheels have rhythm due to the shape and form
and there is radial balance to them. The body
has straight lines and horizontal line on the
windshield has curved lines and they show a
sense of freedom, also there is contrast to them
due to different colors.
Front
View
There is regular rhythm in the head
lights of the car and also on the treads
on the tires. The figure shows
economy because there is not a lot of
detail and you could also see the
smooth texture on the body of the car.
The texture to the tires is rough and
they appear darker. Finally there are
curved and straight lines on the
windshield.
Isometric View
There is smooth texture on the body
of the car; there is a positive space in
the front of the car near the bottom of
the cars body. There is rhythm with
the people inside of the model car.
The wind shield also shows light blue
colors which show a cooling/cold
effect to the model.
2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
IED Activity 6.2a Visual Analysis Automoblox Page 3

Conclusion
1. How has this study affected your understanding of visual design principles
and elements?

This study afftected our understanding of visual design principles and elements
by showing what designers consider when they make their design.




2. How will you look at products differently from now on, based on your
understanding of visual design principles and elements?


We shall look at the products differently by seeng and analyzing the shapes,
lines, form, color, and function the designer uses to make the design and
product.



3. How do visual design principles and elements relate to the natural world?

They relate to the natural world by using curved line to imitate shapes and
features in nature, also the color choices and organic shapes of the natural world.



4. How do visual design principles and elements impact the commercial
appeal of a product?

They impact on the commercial appeal of a product by being visualy appealing in
order to get the consumer to purchase the product. Also the design must make
the consumers remember the product a a later date like being colorful or
magestic or uniqly shaped.