Graphic Types and Techniques Flashcards
Preliminary graphics
Preliminary graphics are the first pieces of work a designer produces. They are used to communicate ideas and try out different layouts and schemes. Captures and communicates the shape and flow of final design.
Production graphics
Production graphics are used to show how to produce an item. They need to be created to set standards so that they can be universally understood – if they have been created in the UK, they are laid out according to British Standards.
Production graphics will also include any relevant technical detail and information in a title block.
Promotional graphics
Promotional graphics are created to promote a product, company or service.
These can be a mixture of colours, graphics and text to create a visually appealing message.
They should entice customers to learn more about the product or service. Promotional graphics provide potential customers with an idea of what the finished construction project or item will look like and appear ‘less technical’ than production drawings. This makes them easier to understand than production drawings.
Manual graphics - advantages and disadvantages
Manual graphics include sketching and drawing, including using a drawing board.
-Advantages:
Equipment is inexpensive
Cannot be ‘hacked’
Quick way of recording ideas or designs
No risk of loss if files are corrupted or computers crash
-Disadvantages:
Modification can be difficult
Cannot immediately be sent electronically
Slower to produce
Not friendly to environment – paper use
Digital graphics - advantages and disadvantages
Digital graphics include any graphic created by using technology, including digital sketching, CAD modelling, desktop publishing.
Advantages:
Drawing standards can be set in advance
Drawings and images are easily modified
Highly accurate
Can use a CAD library
Uses little storage space
Wide range of colour schemes and fonts
Production is faster if user is trained with the equipment and software
Disadvantages:
Initial investment is costly
Training is required
Viruses can destroy digital data
Computers can crash - power cuts can result in loss of work
Pie chart
To be effective graphs and charts must be self-explanatory and clear.
A pie chart is usually shown as a circle. This circle represents the whole or complete number and is divided in to segments by lines running from the centre. Each segment forms part of the whole number.
Use pie charts to display parts of a ‘whole number’.
When you see data with percentage you know to use a pie chart as it is showing parts of a whole number.
Bar chart
A bar chart can be a row or bars showing how values vary over time, for example or a row of bars showing how different values compare with one another.
Use bar graphs when you want to highlight individual figures rather than show an overall flow of figures.
Use bar graphs when comparing different items or figures.
Do not use bar graphs when too many bars are required. This would make the chart difficult to follow.
Do not use bar charts when the overall flow of figures is more important than individual values, use a line graph instead.
Line graph
A line graph is often used to show quantities plotted over a period of time. The x-axis (horizontal scale) represents time. The y-axis (vertical scale) represents the quantities. The line/curve is then plotted on a grid.
Use line graphs when it is important to show a gradual change in figures over time.
Line graphs can compare multiple quantities at a time (more than one line)
Do not use a line graph when some quantities are huge and others are tiny – use a table instead.
Table
A table displays numbers or words in rows and columns. A spreadsheet is a computerised table that can be used to calculate data. It can also produce graphs and charts.
Use tables when the individual figures, rather than the overall flow, are most important.
Use tables when comparing numbers that are too far apart to be shown on a graph or chart.
Use tables when presenting large amounts of very precise information.
Do not use tables when you can use one of the other three types of chart.
Isometric
Isometric drawings are a 3D pictorial view that show an object projected at 30 degrees from an edge.
This drawing type is useful because:
They are drawn true to size so dimensions can be lifted from them
They can eliminate the need for multiple views as elevation, end elevation and plan are shown
Drawing Technique:
All lengths and breadths are projected back at 30 degrees
All heights are projected upwards vertically
All measurements are full size
Oblique
Oblique drawings are a 3D pictorial view that show the true front of an object. Oblique views are the best option for pictorial views where circles or radii are involved in the front view. Oblique view shows an accurate elevation whilst giving the impression of 3D form.
Drawing Technique
Sketch the front of the object to the true dimensions.
Breadths are projected back at 45 degrees and should be halved to make the drawing look more real
Planometric
Planometric drawings are a 3D pictorial view that show interior spaces. This drawing type is created by interior designers and architects.
Drawing Technique
The base is a true plan view rotated at 30, 45 or 60 degrees to the horizontal
All heights are projected upwards vertically
All measurements are full size
Orthographic projection
Accurate and detailed drawings are vital to manufacturing and construction, these take the form of orthographic drawings. Orthographic projection is a method of showing a 3D object in a range of 2D views. The projection method used in the UK is third angle projection.
The standard layout for this is to have a base view of an elevation. This is generally the front view of an object or building. On each side is an end elevation that shows the side. Above the elevation is a plan view, which shows the top of the object. All views must be perfectly aligned to the elevation.
The drawing below shows the standard layout for orthographic drawing in third angle projection.
True length and shape
Orthographic projection views don’t always show the exact size of a side or shape of an object.
True Shape
The true shape of a surface is seen when looking directly at a surface. Sometimes in orthographic drawings, the true shape is foreshortened and the true shape needs to be worked out. This happens most often with truncated shapes such as cones, pyramids and right prisms. To see the true shape of a face it must be looked at straight on. Projection of the section on a plane parallel to the section plane will show the true shape of the section.
True Length
Lengths of edges can also be affected by foreshortening. Calculating the true length is of an edge can be achieved by rotating the corner of the base of a pyramid out with a compass as shown below. This will give the true length of that edge without foreshortening of the view type.
Surface development
A surface development is the same as a net in mathematics. It is where a 3D model is flattened so that it can be folded back into shape.
