Fire Alarm System

[manhattan]

hey all, for those of you who dont know me (which is probably just about everyone) hello & nice to meet you, im matt.

Recently started learning Alias StudioTools and did this piece for a part of my course (CAD). It's a fire alarm system which is made from ceramic.

I would very much appreciate any c&c since this is my first piece of 3D work and much of it was a process of trial and error.

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/8200/board17hv.jpg

[novoAlias]

Looks like a torch and some speakers XD a version with notes on what does what would be nice

it`s obvious what it is....
it`s a smoke alarm with an internal power source and the flashlight also doubles as a beacon,it will light up so you can find it
It`s a good idea....only smoke alarms are meant to hang from the ceiling or a wall high up....how does the flashlight keep from falling out?

modelling is good,as a product representation....it works well

[manhattan]

sorry for the confusion, i should have linked this picture with annotations regarding the functionality of the product. Thing is i was looking for comments on the rendering itself (not the design or function) seeing as this is a 3D forum.

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/7905/boardpres7ez.jpg

Just to clear up any confusion on the design issue. There are 2 modules in the system, the mounted unit acts like any other fire alarm (ceiling mounted) whilst the bedroom unit integrates a torch and is desk mounted (hence why the torch doesn't fall out). All modules are linked wirelessly.

In particular i have had trouble with the lighting. I used multiple spot lights for each of the objects, but should i have used lights which illuminate the whole scene instead of the individual parts? Shurely this is better practise and easier to set-up.
Thanks

EDIT: BTW BlackWolf, what does XD mean? (sorry im a newb )

[Sky_Eagle]

Nice concept Manhatten.
I think blackwolf means with xD that is is the same a smiley like this one

[novoAlias]

yeah thats right XD

A three light system would probably have been better, at the moment your lighting looks a little flat...

Moving the torch closer to the bedroom unit would help give a sense of connection, without the notes you have to guess that the torch is detached from the unit in those pictures and not something else entirely, maybe having the torch leaning on the unit?

The ceiling one is cool, but it is not immediately obvious that it is, or that the light in the center is not just some weird glow effect, especially since its not upside down or illuminating anything.

Now I get what it is I like the idea, especially the glowing ring around the edge - that would be nice to get at least a dim view in a smoky hallway. Sorry if that seemed harsh but it would improve it lots I think.

[manhattan]

thanks for the comments everyone, especially BlackWolf, much appreciated. I think the changes you suggested will make it much easier for people to understand what it actually is. Will have to work on it when my work lets up a bit at university, im practically flat out ATM
Previously made an advertising board using PS (below) but i think your idea of a glow effect in a smokey corridor would be much better.

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/5...ardfire8ij.jpg
Will let you know how i get on with it