The Evolution of Styling - Connectors and FlexAxles vs. Panels

[AOW]

agrof, the examples you have posted are of user MOCs and they do not represent the idea which is behind the Designer at Lego. Not to say that both are just beauty! 

I think the reason why Lego has went so far in the use of panels in the recent years is the fact that the set they build needs to be strong, What I mean by it, take example of 8865 or 8880 vs 8448 vs 8070 vs 42039 - how strong is the "shell" been build ? 

When it comes to the chassis OK in all cases we have it quite strong and it does not bend, on the contrary the "shell" or body of the car is a different matter. Note that in the end those are toys and are targeting kids - so that they need to "survive" a hard pay :) 

[agrof]

@Didumos69 That quote describes perfectly what is in my mind about design in general. 

@AOW It was not my intention to refer to the work or the ideology of LEGO designers with those examples. I consider all of us who build something with LEGO parts, as designers in this discussion. We are not bounded to directives by a company, thus we have more freedom luckily. Those are just design examples, nothing more - nothing less, honestly I am not really interested in the internal function of LEGO, I am interested in the creative ways of part usage and the way of translating an idea, LEGO is just a supplier for me.  Sorry if I misinterpreted the original thought of the topic, I understood it was a discussion in general.

[Lipko]

Thanks for mentioning my design. I tried my best with the bodywork but actually that was my best then... I knew that I won't be able to make it better so at least I tried to be consistent.

[Aventador2004]

I think I would go with lots of flex axles rather than lots of panels if I had the supplies, but I dont.

Just like the McLaren p1 from a few months ago, a perfect mix!

[Meatman]

I like when both are used in a clever and legal fashion. As someone said once before, The best looking models tend to use the most questionable build techniques.

Edited December 21, 2017 by Meatman

[Didumos69]

Now that we are quoting models, Charbel's Volcano RS has just the right abstraction level, balance and consistence imo. The panels catch the essence of the car without covering everything.

Edited December 21, 2017 by Didumos69

[DrJB]

53 minutes ago, Didumos69 said:

Now that we are quoting models, Charbel's Volcano RS has just the right abstraction level, balance and consistence imo. The panels catch the essence of the car without covering everything.

Exactly ... somehow very similar to 8070

 

[Aventador2004]

Just now, DrJB said:

Exactly ... somehow very similar to 8070

I think charbel's is better by a lot though.

[DrJB]

Just now, Aventador2004 said:

I think charbel's is better by a lot though.

lol ... no objection there :)

I was merely referring to the build style.

Edited December 21, 2017 by DrJB

[Aventador2004]

Just now, DrJB said:

lol ... no objection there :)

That's what I thought, just like it is way better than '77

[DrJB]

now you lost me ... '77 ??

ah ... the year the first Technic models came out?  My dad bought me the red tractor and yellow forklift.

Edited December 22, 2017 by DrJB

[Aventador2004]

39 minutes ago, DrJB said:

now you lost me ... '77 ??

Ohh, my stupidity, I was trying to write 42077, but too lazy to edit my post

[Shadow_ninja714]

Personally I like the new panel and covering things. It makes a creation appear more interesting, as you can't really see how everything works, and you don't have to worry all too much about color choice when the final design will have it covered by panels. 

[schraubedrin]

I also think that coherence is the most important design aspect.

I found that i like the design of the 8458 Silver Champion as much as e.g. the recently posted front loader garbage truck from @Waler

 

To add to the discussion:

Maybe the perceived "panelling density" influences our impression. Models with a uniform panelling density seem to be cleaner.
Based in this hypothesis, the old panels fit the more open panelling style, as they had holes in themselves. So adding an old panel didn't automatically create a big spot of closed surface.
Adding a new 5x11 Panel or a large smooth panel #17 creates a closed surface of 45-55 stud², quite a difference to any bigger holes.

(I hope my point is more or less understandable, i feel like i'm on the edge of my English knowledge )