Diego Rodriguez
Drafting
2/17/16
Visual, Structural and Functional Analysis
Item: Compass
Visual Analysis
Elements/ Principles
Description
Lines
Use of curved and straight line throughout the compass.
The scale has a curve as well as the meeting point of the
two sides.
Color
Different colors are used in the design of the compass.
These colors include green, black, silver, white and orange
(pencil).
Contrast
Contrast in the value of each color. For example, the green
color used is very bright, while black directly contrasts it
because it is dark.
Balance
Symmetrical balance in the compass, for the most part. It
consists of two long sides with a point at the end of each
side.
Form/Shape
The compass sort of has a triangular form or shape. You
could also say that it has the shape of an acute angle.
Rhythm
Consistent rhythm in the scale. Numbers are represented
by dashes or lines that are all equidistant from each other.
Unity
Unity in color as well as the lines in the scale. Green and
black is used throughout the entire compass.
Structural Analysis
Part
#
Part Name Qty Dimensions
(cm)
Pencil
8.5 cm
(length)
Function
Draws the
circle
1 cm
(width)
2
Compass
Leg
12 cm
(length)
3cm (width,
top)
1.4 cm
(width,
bottom)
Material
Texture
Interaction
with other
parts
Wood
and
Graphite
Smooth Locked in
place with the
compass
End used for Plastic
the
centerpoint
of the circle,
slides the
compass and
points to
measure.
Smooth Slides the
/
compass legs
Bumpy left and right.
Scale
6.0 cm
(length)
Measures
the radius of
the circle
Plastic
Smooth Interacts with
the pointer of
leg of the
compass
Handle
5.5 cm
(length)
Helps grip
the compass
Plastic
Rough
Screwed or
attached to the
legs of the
compass
1) How do the parts interact?
a) The handle of the compass is screwed to the other two legs,
that way it locks into place. The scale is attached to the first leg (left) and it
interacts with the pointer of the second leg (right) that points to the
measurement. The pencil holder and lock are on the first leg. The end of
the second leg has a sharp metal point to set the centerpoint of the circle.
It also has a grip for more accurate measurements.
2) Good and Bad features of the product.
a) The good features of the product are that it has a scale as
well as a grip for more accurate measurements and drawings. The sliding
mechanic is also very smooth and it is not too loose.
b) The bad features of the product include the bad plastic
material. This material can easily be broken. A more ideal material is
metal. Another bad feature is the screw that holds the entire compass
3)
4)
5)
6)
together. The screw can easily come off and it would disassemble the
entire compass.
What caused the product to succeed or fail?
a) What really caused the product to mainly succeed was that
the parts interacted very nicely. The parts not only worked well together
but they also functioned properly.
Are the materials appropriate?
a) The materials are not really appropriate as they are not too
durable and can easily fall apart.
What manufacturing process was used?
a) Screwing, Finishing (texture)
What is the estimated cost of the product?
a) The product probably costs around $5.
Functional Analysis
Input
Product Function
Output
Pencil Lock
To lock in the pencil to the
compass
More accurate drawings.
Pencil stays in place.
First Leg
Has the compass scale
and the pencil holder
Size of the circle is able to
be measured for more
accuracy
Second Leg
Contributes to sliding
mechanism of the
compass, and centers the
circle. Also points to the
marks on the scale.
Center point of the circle is
able to be located and
measurements on the
compass can be
pinpointed.
Handle
Improve the handling of the Better grip to the compass
compass.
and circles are drawn
better.
Screw
To hold all of the parts in
place.
Parts interact better and
smoother.