Week 13 Post

The New York Times Magazine Article
Fourth-Wave Feminism
Techniques:

• Balance
• Symmetery
• Regularity
• Simplicity
  
• Economy
• Predictability
• Stasis
• Neutrality
• Accuracy
• Flatness
• Singularity
• Sequential

.hack//G.U. Official Website
Techniques:

• Balance
• Symmetery
• Regularity
• Simplicity
• Unity
• Economy
  
• Predictability
• Activeness
• Subtlty
• Accent
• Consistency
• Accuracy
• Depth
• Sequentiality
• Sharpness
• Episodicity

The reason different techniques were used had a lot to do with the different types of visual communication, that of a printed magazine article and that of an interactive website. In the case of the former, the most important content on the page was the information within it; specifically, the article's content. While the asset of the intelligent-looking young woman pausing in contemplation added an small bit of aesthetic flavor, there was really no need to attract the eye further. The overall composition was simple and balanced; Sharpening the piece wouldn't have added much at all.

As for the website, however, the viewers expect something different, specifically in interaction. Although the composition remains balanced and even minimalistic, its primary function is to advertise a video game series in addition to conveying information. With a spinning taskbar and other visually exciting elements, the piece attracts the viewer and holds attention subtly. Having it be more Level wouldn't help at all; with just a touch of Sharpness, the website still stuck in my head as one of my favorite designs years after the games went out of print.