Visual Rhetoric Analysis #4: Functions and their Messages

I chose this image because it has many of the qualities that we have learned about from our readings on Tuesday. I will be analyzing these design principles as they pertain to the image itself and the technology of the device, since they work hand in hand. The image is utilized to convey the message of the functions of the device itself. This analysis will include information from our readings, which are italicized in blue.

We see some of Dieter Ram’s design principles at play with Nintendo’s Wii that are also apparent in this image, as stated by Geoff Hart in our reading of Ten Design Principles and When to Violate Them.

Minimal: The image does not include anything other than the system itself. This image was first revealed at a major video game conference, E3, that I was present at and I will be able to accurately report on the audience’s, which consisted of journalists and other members of the video game industry. The image brought forth the emotion of intrigue due to its design simplicity, which led the audience wanting to hear more. Of course the details of specs were revealed at the event after the crowd was allowed to soak in the impactful image, but the image was a strong way to open the reveal of Nintendo’s new console. Since it falls under the minimal category, it created more hype to find out how this strange unit would compare to its competitors, the XBOX 360 and the PlayStation 3.

Unobtrusive: Due to its simplicity, the image left no room for distractions, although it led to many questions, but that was the reason behind the image. The system itself is a very simple-to-use device that anyone can pick up and play. This is important because Nintendo’s audience is mostly children and casual gamers. I say “mostly” because the majority of “hardcore” gamers usually stick with their console of choice and shy away from Nintendo devices, but not all.

Useful: The image was useful in doing its job of presenting what the new console would look like (new at the time). The system itself does the same in its feature design. It definitely gets the audience to their goals quickly and easily due to its simplicity. This is very similar to the design features we see in Apple products.

Innovative: The picture showed a very innovative system for its time, which led the audience wanting more information about the product. Upon its release, the system design itself was very innovative in the fact that it contained a remote controller that utilized infrared in its gameplay. Plus, it was the first system that could be displayed vertically or horizontally.

Esthetic: Due to its very different look, the image design created the desire to want something so unique looking in their homes. It was sleek-looking and had a design nowhere else seen.

Long-lasting: The image can be seen as having a long-lasting design because of its simplicity. Simplicity in images is what makes them long-lasting. While the system, much like all technology, became outdated, the technology was used and enhanced upon with the Nintendo systems that came out after the Wii.

While this image is a two-dimensional one, I think that the perspective of the system showcases its three-dimensional features by showing its height and weight, while not offering exact measurements. It allows the product to be seen as an actual item, rather than a flat dead-on perspective as differentiated in our reading of Visual Rhetoric/3D and 2D Visual Persuasion. It offers a realism to an item that the picture wants to rhetorically sell, which leads into its argument of being something that the audience needs through an image that can be considered as literature, as we read in the article, Visual Rhetoric/Examples and Analysis of Visual Literature.

photo source: Nintendo