Jewel Mania

Source: Google Play Apps

In class, we are asked to design our own games and come up with total 9 different games. Designing a game isn't easy as I expected. The game must be designed in an objective point of view. Thus, we must not put any personal views or opinions into the games we make. Today I want to share one game that I think is wonderfully designed. I’m not a big fan of app games except this game that I've been playing for a year now.

The game is called “Jewel Mania”, an app game that is available in both iOS and Android. Found in 2009 by co-founder Perry Tam, Storm8 is a social game developer company who launched this game and several other app games. With 10 million daily active users, almost 600 million total downloads to date.

The rule of the game is similar to Bejeweled, but there are more features that have not been seen in any other version of the Bejeweled game. Each time you play a game, it takes one energy. If you finish a level with 2 or 3 stars, you earn one energy as a reward. Maximum 5 energies are given. If you use all the energies, you will have to wait until the energy is regenerated. It takes 60 minutes for 1 energy to regenerate. Or, you have an option to purchase gold in order to get the energy. In actual game, you must combine 3 jewels of the same color to clear them, 4 jewels to create a blasting jewel, and 5 or more jewels to create a diamond. Every level has different characteristics and themes. For example, you must complete one level in a given amount of time. If you finish a level, you can go to next level.

The characters in the game are designed in professional way. None of the characters look awkward or poor design. The colors they used are vivid and eye-catching. Overall, the content of the game is great because it’s challenging and it makes player wanting to play again. The game now has up to 300 levels and they are still making an effort to update for the better game experience. 

Vitaminwater

Photo by Sun Kang

Source: Vitaminwater.com

Produced by Energy Brand company, Glaceau Vitaminwater was first introduced in 2000. Their business has been expanded even further when they became a part of The Coca-Cola Company. Vitaminwater is presently the best-selling water beverage on the market. What makes this product so popular? Today, many people have become aware of the health issues and the importance of the drinking water. But, what is so special about this product compared to the other drinking products? Vitaminwater not only has a great taste and it’s  a healthy alternative to regular bottled water, their strategic advertisement and the packaging design & labeling make this product even more popular.

I want to talk about the packaging and labeling of the product. From bright yellow to dark red, their colors just caught my eye. I could feel the bright energy by just looking at the product.  The color of the beverage actually matches with the labeling color. Thus, each flavor is easily distinguishable and builds its own identity. The typeface used on the label is clean and legible. The hierarchy of the letters and words are clearly seen on the label. The logo “Vitaminwater” is laid out vertically whereas others are laid out horizontally which makes the labeling more appealing.  Their label copies are great too. They use flavor names like Revive, Focus, and Revitalize instead of the usual flavor words such as fruit punch, kiwi-strawberry or blueberry.

Like any other drink bottles, this product is made of plastic but used very thick plastic which holds the shape of the bottle firmly. It is not as heavy as Voss and not as light as Arrowhead, so this material is perfect for the Vitaminwater. This product might have targeted young generations because the way they designed and advertised the product. For example, they’ve made couple commercials that celebrities came out. Also, they are involved in social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. The taste of the product is important, but without the professional design and the strategic marketing, products wouldn’t last long. 

Metro ExpressLanes Pamphlet

Yesterday in class, professor Moss showed us some diagram maps and the steps of making process. I thought it was interesting and I tried to find the things that are actually around us. Today we live in a busy society and we are looking for something simple and well-organized. London Underground Tube map can be a good example. It may look complicated but it’s well organized with lines, words, and the colors.

Image Source: Transport for London

Photo by Sun Kang

Photo by Sun Kang

I've found this little pamphlet called “Metro ExpressLanes” yesterday. This book basically tells us how FasTrak works and shows the effective area of map. This book is used by drivers who signed up and have an access to FasTrak. It is made of glossy coated paper and it’s approximately 5x8 inches. This program has started since last November so I believe that this pamphlet is the first version.

I really like the color composition of the book: Sky blue, Pink, Green, Orange, and Gray. They are pastel soft tone colors with high contrast. The abstract icons, such as the word online with the pink globe icon, are simple and easily distinguishable. The font style is also simple and effective. For instance, they made the important word and phrase in bold, and the size varies depending on its priority. Overall, this pamphlet gives a comfortable and energetic impression which helps to develop a friendly image of the corporation. 

The Ritz-Carlton

Photo by Sun Kang

Source: Ritzcarlton.com

One of the greatest modern architectures I’ve seen in Los Angeles is “The Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Residences”.  It is located in the heart of the Downtown, L.A., and adjacent to the Staples Center and L.A. Live entertainment complex. Opened in April, 2011, this 54-story tower consists of hotel rooms, residences, restaurants, and hotel facilities. The building was designed by large corporate architecture firm Gensler, and built by Webcor Builders. The appearance of the building is absolutely stunning. It’s very modernistic, energetic, and sophisticated.

The building is all covered with metal and plate glasses. These components generate bold structural frame with clean lines and shiny surface. It seems like many things going on with the building structure, but I can feel the simplicity and clarity in design and not over-decorated. From planning to construction, I wonder how much time and efforts they had spent on this particular building project. 

Stationary Bike

Photo by Sun Kang

Many LA Fitness locations have gotten better after lengthy renovation. They now have high quality exercise equipment that really motivates me to go to the gym more often. Especially this stationary bike is my favorite one. This is one of the 'Life Fitness' brand, and it's the most common exercise equipment brand that I’ve seen on many LA Fitness locations. It has an iPod connection, a USB port, and a built-in LCD display that offers more than 15 local TV channels. It is designed with an adjustable pedal strap, easy seat adjustment, and large domed buttons.

It would be a good idea if TV screen offers a spin instruction or a class that is based on each person’s health level or by adding graphic games like bicycle racing. These kinds of customized programs will definitely make people to think exercise is not boring. I think this TV screen attached on the stationary bike is by far the best innovative solution that gym has brought today. 

Mini Fan

Photo by Sun Kang

Today, I want to talk about this mini adjustable fan. I’ve purchased it from Walmart a few years ago, and it still works very well. This is a simple plugin-based 4-metal blade fan that is about the size of CD-ROM, and it’s ideal for using on a table or desk.  The head of the fan tilts 180 degrees, so it allows you to focus the airflow almost at any angle. It’s hardly noticeable on the picture above, but there is an anti-skid rubber pad on each side of the leg which keeps the fan in place.

I like the size of the fan when compared to the ordinary large fan I used to have. However, some area needs improvement. First, USB cord can be added to the fan. You can plug the cord into the computer and you won’t have to worry about finding an outlet. Second, more control options can be added, for instance, a “high” and a “Low” button, so you can control the intensity of airflow however you want. Lastly, plastic can be substituted for metal, so it will reduce the weight of the fan.

This item might have been discontinued, because it's already outdated and new things are continually coming out. People always love to try new things. I want to ask myself, are new things always better?

Icebreakers

Photo by Sun Kang

Every time I go to the grocery store, I buy this cute mint case. It not only tastes great, but has a great design. Icebreakers DUO is a sugar-free mint product that is part of the Hershey’s brand. Plastic is used as a material, because it’s inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to recycle.

I’ve always been wondering why “to share” flap has a small opening. Why not larger opening? Originally, the “to share” flap on the top used to have a larger opening, while the “not to share” on the bottom had a smaller opening. However, for hygienic purpose, the labels for the flaps have been switched reversely. However, I often get confused when opening a flap because both labels contain the same word “to share”. I think it would be a good idea to rename the label, for example, “me” or “myself” instead of “not to share” and “me+you” or “us” instead of “to share”.

Except the flap label, I haven’t found any design problem yet. The cover design was successfully designed by two primary colors, red and light blue, which look harmonious. The company might have chosen woman as a target audience because the color of the design is considered as a feminine color. 

Eco Collapsible Meal Kit

Photo by Sun Kang

Image Source: Smartplanethome.com

About two weeks ago, I went to Walmart to prepare my back-to-school supplies. Walmart always has been my favorite store and I wish I could have spent a day wandering around. While passing through a kitchen utensil section, I've found the most amazing thing I've ever seen before. It was a lunch box! I’ve always wanted something that doesn't take up a lot of space but still holds many food items.

This is a cleverly designed collapsible lunch box that is made of 100% silicone. Once you finish the meal, you can compress it without effort, it will shrink down to a third of its original size. Therefore, it’s easy to carry and a great way of saving space. The cool thing about the product is microwave and dishwasher-safe and BPA-free.

The silicone might have been chosen because it is good for the environment compared to the other things, such as plastic bags, styrofoam or paper plates that will be used only a few times and then thrown away. Today, many students and workers have difficulty bringing lunch by themselves every day. Many people have chosen to go out for lunch because it’s more convenient for them.  I would recommend eco lunch box like the one I bought. Not only it is good for the environment, it will change your health.

I think the snap-on lid can be improved further because it’s not tight enough to hold the heavy liquid on. Overall, the design is successful and the great selection of colors that targets any ages from preschoolers to adults.  

Electric Toothbrush

Photo by Sun Kang

In the picture above, you may not recognize how thin it is. When I first saw this at an appliance store, I thought it looked just like a mascara.  Well, I’d thought about buying a good toothbrush since I spent a lot of money on dental care this year. The price was affordable and I really liked the functionality and as well as the design of the toothbrush.

This is a light weight sonic toothbrush that is easy to use. As shown below, it has six different types of color. It is portable so it may be good for travelers. The outer part of the toothbrush is made of aluminum. It is 6.5 inch tall and the thickness is about the same size of a lipstick. I assume that aluminum helps to reduce the weight of the toothbrush. Compared to ordinary toothbrush, this toothbrush has been developed further in terms of the functionality and the quality of design. Although its original purpose is to brush our teeth as a part of our oral hygiene routine, this toothbrush adds an unique design to it so it may attract many people.

Image Source: Sonicket.com

There is a few design problems that I want to point out. I would suggest setting a phase adjustment option, for instance, fast and slow click buttons. Also, flashlight can be embedded so we can use it as a flashlight besides toothbrush. Lastly, an electronic charger can be more efficient than using a battery, so we won’t have to worry about buying a battery every time.

Overall, the idea is great and I’m excited to see how this toothbrush will change over time. I realized that our world is changing rapidly and technology is now everywhere. Every design of the product keeps changing over time.

Street Signs

Photo by Sun Kang

Nowadays, we can find parking signs quite easily on every street we go. This photo was taken on Pico Boulevard and Flower Street, downtown Los Angeles. I parked my car on the street and I read the sign thoroughly before I left the car. Suddenly, one thing came to my mind. I was very grateful for having signs on the every street we go.  It makes our lives much easier.  I wondered how much it took them to make these signs that are readable and understandable by all people. The metal-based plate might have been chosen because it must stay there permanently and it should be protected from the unpredictable weather, for instance, winds and storms.

I believe that not many things have changed since its first launch. Of course, its meaning did not change. However, the design of the sign has become simpler. It contains two primary colors, red and blue. The selection of the color helps us to receive the information a lot easier. The words are concise, explicit, and most importantly, short. Although every word on this sign is important, I noticed that the arrangement of the word is organized with careful thoughts. What do you consider the most important word in this sign? Many people might have said “Tow away” and “No stopping”.  Yes, we care more about not getting a parking ticket or not to get towed away.

We live in an era of technology. We can list hundreds and thousands of electronic devices, from computers to smart phones. It might be a good idea to have a bar code system on every sign. For instance, a bar code can be attached on a sign plate or on a parking meter, which allow us to scan it via smart phone application, and then the application automatically tells us whether we can park there or not. Furthermore, the application automatically sets an alarm on the phone before the parking duration expires, so we will be less likely to forget the parking expiration time. Overall, the structure of the sign is well made. It’s obvious that we cannot live without it, and I am very excited to see how advanced technology will change our lives in a different way.