The Basic Elements

Line

In industrial design the line serves as a crucial element in the design process.  Using the line is almost impossible in this field, the line is used in throughout the design process as seen by this 3-D computer rendering of a tea kettle.  However the line is also used in other areas of industrial design such as the original freehand sketches of designers.  This rendering of a tea kettle uses the line to demonstrate the shape of the product, and the overall look.

Shape

This desk lamp enclosure incorporates the basic element of shape in its design.  The three most basic shapes are the circle, square, and equilateral triangle.  As can been seen in the photo the lamp enclosure primarily uses the equilateral triangle, which can cause a viewer to experience tension, conflict, and action.  

Direction

Building off the basic element of the shape, the 3 basic shapes express 3 basic directions.  Equilateral triangle corresponds with the diagonal, the square with the horizontal and vertical, and the circle which expresses the curve.  The curve can cause the viewer to experience a sense of warmth repetition, and containment.  This couch uses the curve which is a great design because a couch is a place to relax, and the curve invokes comfort and warmth.