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IndexDiscussionGeneral Discussion,  Status › Tips for Engineers
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Tips for Engineers? (Read 1297 times)
Tips for Engineers?
Jan 17th, 2010, 6:31am
 
I've finished a working simulation of two factory machines racing to make parts.  The workers move and parts stack up while engineering numbers tick upward.  It accomplishes the goal of comparing two choices while being far more engaging than a spreadsheet of numbers, but it could really use some artistic elegance.

What advice can people offer non-artists for making their sketches more visually appealing?
Re: Tips for Engineers?
Reply #1 - Jan 17th, 2010, 7:15am
 
Since we don't know what your sketch looks like or what visual elements would best enhance it, I think it's difficult to just give ideas.  But there is certainly plenty of material and examples out there where you can identify things that you would like to add to your sketch to enhance its visual appeal.  Take a look at the Exhibition thread to get ideas... most post code when presenting their project.  Take a look at www.openprocessing.org.  They have many sketches, along with code.  Pull ideas and look at the code to see how they did it.  If you get stuck on a particular idea, post in the appropriate section for community help.  That's the best advice I can offer.
Re: Tips for Engineers?
Reply #2 - Jan 17th, 2010, 7:32am
 
Good point.  Here is the link at openprocessing.org:
openprocessing.org/visuals/?visualID=7005
Re: Tips for Engineers?
Reply #3 - Jan 17th, 2010, 7:40am
 
As an engineer, the biggest challenge in looking at sketches has been the visual language.  I simply lack words to describe the techniques and decisions the artists used.  Most artists wouldn't notice the difference between a FPGA and microprocessor chip on a circuit board and would skip over the key ingredient that made the board cheap/fast/easy-to-use.  In that way, engineers skip over useful visual things that are right in front us.
Re: Tips for Engineers?
Reply #4 - Jan 17th, 2010, 8:38am
 
I'd look at adding some textures to give the objects a more realistic look.
http://processing.org/reference/texture_.html
The box could look like a real box with the right texture.  Take a look at Quark's shape library.  http://www.lagers.org.uk/s3d4p/index.html
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