Ex2 Feature Hierarchy in Visual Searches BLOG Exercise

FEATURE CHANNEL HIERARCHIES

• COLOR
• SHAPE
• MOTION
• SPATIAL

FAX MACHINE



















The Feature Channel Hierarchies of the above fax machine are simplistic in design and function. The colors used are limited to the two most important functions to the use of the fax machine.  The Start Button (send fax or copy), the Cancel Button, and the light buttons, on large to exhibit the option for Energy Saver which lights up green when the option is selected. The same green lights are options for quality and production options.


The shapes used in the design of the fax machine are used for accessibility.  The size of the Start Button is a large and round this increases the visibility as well as ease for use.  The peach Cancel button is also larger than the other buttons and is actually branching off of the Start button so it can be identified quickly. The rest of the buttons are simple in shape and size to keep conformity to the typical phone pad.  The quick dial numbers are a little smaller but raised for convienience.

Their is little motion on the fax machine interface except for the motion from the option lights turning on and off and the click from pressing a key to know if has responded.

Spatially the interface is balanced with the key pad to the left and the Start and Cancel Buttons to the right.  Laid out in reading style and order of use. The key pad is used first to enter a number than the Start Button to send.  If the fax needs to be cancelled the Cancel button is branched off to the right from the start button.

BBC Time Line

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/timelines/british/index.shtml

The Feature Channel Hierarchies of the BBC Time Line are interactive in design and function.  Color is used extensively in this design interface. Color depicts time and change and the color is how one can identify eras.

The shapes used in the hierarchy of the timeline are simplistic and streamlined with horizontal rectangles that are wider and shorter based on the length of time. This allows the viewer to identify the color changes in a clear format. The other shapes are buttons again the size determines significance of use. The long scroll bar at the bottom mimics the time line to allow you to see a minimized version of the changes and pic or scroll from based on choice.

The motion used in the BBC Timeline is much more interactive and exciting.  The motion of the scroll option and color changes allows the user to study the information in a more intense manner. 

Spacially the BBC Timeline is condensed but it to has the use moving from a reading pane of left to right with the timeline itself reading that way.  The final imput button again being on the right side of the interface.

Overall it is clear that the Fax MAchine was developed to be quick, clear, concise and no nonsense.  Where as the BBC Timeline is meant to be interactive pulling the user into it to dive further into the history.