Design Success & Failure.

http://gadgetsteria.com/2009/12/14/kinesis-keyboard-an-expensive-wrist-contorting-mind-game-of-plastic-keys/

The BAD

Perception: The outrageously unique design of this keyboard misleads its users of what its actual functionality is. Initially looking at it, it was not easily registered that this was a regular computer keyboard. I had to squint my eyes to look at the individual keys to finally realize that in fact, this was what it's aiming to be. The standard qwerty board pattern is altered and therefore not easily recognizable.

Balance: The keyboard tries to balance the components but fails to consider balance as functionality, which should be prioritized for this user-based product. True, the separated sections of the keyboard are balanced spatially but the operation has become much more complicated. It would be unnatural for user ergonomics to coordinate two hands to type so separated from each other.

Stress: The scalloped sides poses a dynamic stress for the design but doesn't succeed in relating its purpose.

Attraction/Grouping & Positive/Negative: The keyboard's intention to group certain sections of the keys does not pose any advantages to its user. The two big groups do indeed take advantage of the left-right home keys but separating the miscellaneous keys in the middle does not seem to be effective. The odd grouping is one of the main factors of why it was hard to recognize the keyboard as what it is. The excessive negative space also does not help its ambiguity as a product.

http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/jinyoung_chois_housewares-esque_multi-tool_19716.asp#more

The GOOD

Perception: The colors and curvilinear form denotes friendliness and an unassuming design. It captures ones attention because of its resemblance to a toy and its simplicity leaves room to the imagination. In the sense of knowing and immediately understanding the purpose of the tool, the design skimps on that aspect.

Balance: The design successfully achieves balance structurally, functionally and visually. Its form makes it a self-supporting structure that users can easily throw around in the kitchen. Its multi-functionality is the result of its well balanced functionality, wasting no space for the sake of aesthetic. It is also visually composed where no one element overpowers the other.

Attraction: The interesting shape and contour of this tool attracts the user to explore its uses and discovers that each point represents a different tool. The use of vibrant colors also attracts the eyes to inquire.