Visual Techniques

Simplicity

Symmetry 

Contrast

Balance

Singularity

Complexity

Transparency

Depth

Contrast

The Duet 2 by apogee, uses slight contrast between black and silver, on the recording device.  With just one circular knob, and two buttons on either side, this device shows simplicity.  Which i believe gives the viewer/user a feeling of comfort because they are not overwhelmed.  Symmetry exists within this product as you can see there are two buttons located equal distance apart from from the center.  Located above the circular knob, are 4 led bars that measure sound, choosing this place gives a nice sense of balance to the product.  This table however, is very complex.  Using helix structures made from wood, complexity and depth is conveyed to the viewer.  Also using glass as the table surface, and the helix structure the viewer gets a sense of transparency, because we are able to see through the table its self.  

Contrast

The LaunchPad designed by Novation, is a midi controller that integrates contrast successfully into the design.  Used for controlling music production software powered by a laptop, the square buttons use three contrasting colors to differentiate what is being played, green, what is cued, yellow, and what is not playing, red.  The reason contrast is so important to the success of this design is that the artist now has control over the music production software without confusion because of the simple contrast between the three colors.

The Maschine designed by Native Instruments, is also a midi controller used to design music software.  However the lack of contrast between colors contributes to the failure of the design.  The Maschine uses two different shades of orange for the square pads, to indicate what is being played, and what is cued.  There is also blue buttons but again there are only two different shades.  If an artist is performing live which what this controller is designed to be used for, with all the lights on stage, this poor color contrast could cause the artist confusion.  Because of this i would contribute the poor color contrast to the failure of this design.