We use threes in art to define structures like primary, secondary and tertiary colors on a color wheel. Sir Isaac Newton developed the first color wheel in 1666. The three Greek column classifications are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — When engineers from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory brainstormed on how to improve Soldier lethality, the idea of a third arm seemed like something that might help.
Mechanical engineer Dan Baechle carefully planned out a device that doesn’t need batteries, is lightweight and can evenly distribute the load of a heavy weapon.
“It can help stabilize the weapon and take the load off of their arms,” he said. “It’s made from composite materials to make it as light as possible, but also to ensure the range of motion that Soldiers need.”
The device, officially called the Third Arm helps take the weight of the weapons off of a Soldiers’ arms. It weighs less than four pounds, and because of the innovative design, the weight of the device and the weapon are evenly distributed.
“We’ve actually tested it with the M249 and M240B machines guns. The M240B weighs 27 pounds, and we were able to show that you can take the weight of that weapon completely off of the Soldiers’ arms,” Baechle said.
Soldiers testing the device pointed out that initial versions didn’t make it possible for them to use the device and go into the prone position. But that’s not an issue with the current version.
At a recent test with a Soldier at the Military Operations in Urban Terrain site at APG, a sergeant wore the device with an M-4 type weapon and dove into a prone fighting position from a sprint. The Third Arm provided immediate stabilization to improve marksmanship for the Soldier.
“Right now it’s a prototype device, and it’s a fairly early stage prototype device,” Baechle said. “It’s been getting a lot of interest higher up in the Army, but also online with some of the stories that have come out. We’re using some of the interest to help motivate further development of the device.”
Baechle said that the Army modernization priorities include “Soldier lethality that spans all fundamentals — shooting, moving, communicating, protecting and sustaining.” Further documentation specifically mentions the fielding of “load-bearing exoskeletons.”
“It falls in line with the direction that the Army wants to be heading in the future,” Baechle said. “We get comments from Soldiers who tell us different things about the way it feels on their body … about the way it redistributes the load. Some like it, some give us tips about the ways it could be improved, and we’re using that input to improve the device and improve the design so that it not only works well, but it also feels good.”
In 2017, the lab conducted a small pilot study of active-duty troops using Third Arm in live-fire trials. The results showed the device can improve marksmanship, reduce arm fatigue and muscle activation for some Soldiers.
“We’re using that small study to motivate a larger study this year with more Soldiers taking a look at dynamics, shooting scenarios,” Baechle said. “We’re still refining the device. We’re starting to look at heavier weapons.”
Baechle stressed that what you see now may not be what gets to future Soldiers.
“What we have right now is a very specific device, but we can learn from that device,” he said. “I hope in the future what we’ll end up with is something that will help the Soldier. Whether or not it’s in the form you see today, that’s less important. Helping the Soldier is what I really hope for. I think this year is really going to be a good one and an important one in showing what this device can do.”
Video
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to provide innovative research, development and engineering to produce capabilities that provide decisive overmatch to the Army against the complexities of the current and future operating environments in support of the joint warfighter and the nation. RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command.
In the realm of branding, a logo serves as the cornerstone of a company’s identity, encapsulating its essence in a single, memorable symbol. When it comes to integrating specific numbers or symbols, such as the number ‘3’, the design process unveils a layer of creativity and strategic thinking. Logos featuring the number ‘3’ stand out for their unique ability to blend numerical significance with visual appeal. Let’s delve into the intricacies of crafting logos with a ‘3’, spotlighting successful examples and exploring how logo makers can streamline this creative journey.
Celebrating the ‘3’: Icons of Innovation
Several iconic brands have skillfully embedded the number ‘3’ into their logos, turning this numeral into a symbol of innovation and identity. For instance, consider the dynamic 3M logo, where the ‘3’ not only signifies the company’s original name, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, but also reflects its foundational trio of values: innovation, quality, and versatility. Another example is the athletic brand ASICS, which uses three intersecting ellipses to symbolize the company’s goal to promote total health and fitness, encompassing the body, soul, and spirit.
Navigating Design with Logo Makers
The advent of an advanced logo maker has revolutionized the process of designing logos that incorporate specific numbers or symbols like ‘3’. These digital tools offer a blend of flexibility and creativity, enabling designers to:
Experiment with various fonts and styles to give the ‘3’ a distinctive look that aligns with the brand’s personality.
Combine the ‘3’ with other elements, such as icons or letters, to form a cohesive and meaningful design.
Utilize templates tailored to thematic concepts or industries, making it easier to integrate numbers in a way that’s both aesthetically pleasing and contextually relevant.
Crafting Uniqueness: Standing Out with ‘3’
The challenge and opportunity of designing a logo with the number ‘3’ lie in creating something truly unique. It’s not just about featuring a number; it’s about weaving it into the fabric of your brand’s story. Here are key considerations for ensuring your ‘3’-centric logo resonates with uniqueness:
Symbolism: Let the ‘3’ symbolize a core aspect of your brand, whether it’s your values, your history, or your mission.
Visual Play: Explore creative interpretations of the ‘3’, such as using negative space or combining it with other graphical elements to add depth and intrigue.
Color and Texture: Employ colors and textures that enhance the ‘3’s’ visual impact, making it not just seen but felt.
Balancing Act: Ensure the ‘3’ integrates seamlessly with the rest of the logo elements, maintaining balance and harmony in the overall design.
Embracing the Digital Age with ‘3’
As we navigate the digital transformation of the marketplace, the significance of incorporating elements like the number ‘3‘ into logos has been further amplified. Digital platforms demand visual elements that are not only captivating but also convey meaning at a glance. The digital age has elevated the ‘3’ from a mere numeral to a symbol of innovation, adaptability, and forward-thinking. Businesses harnessing the power of ‘3’ in their logos find themselves at an advantage, as they resonate more deeply with tech-savvy audiences seeking brands that embody progress and dynamism. This transition underscores the evolving nature of logo design, where numbers and symbols play a pivotal role in branding strategies tailored for the digital era.
The Future of ‘3’ in Logo Design
Looking ahead, the role of numbers like ‘3’ in logo design is set to grow in importance and complexity. As brands seek to differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded and competitive digital landscape, the creative integration of numerals offers a pathway to distinctiveness and brand recognition. The future will likely see a surge in logo designs that not only incorporate numbers in innovative ways but also leverage them to tell stories, evoke emotions, and build connections with audiences worldwide. With advancements in design technology and tools, the possibilities for creative expression with ‘3’ and other numerals in logos are boundless, promising a new era of branding defined by originality and symbolic depth.
The ‘3’ as a Beacon of Branding
Incorporating the number ‘3’ into your logo is an artful endeavor that goes beyond mere numerical representation. It’s about crafting a visual narrative that speaks volumes about your brand’s essence and ambitions. With the help of modern logo makers, designers can navigate the complexities of this process, transforming the ‘3’ into a beacon of branding that captivates and endures. By embracing uniqueness and creativity, your ‘3’-infused logo can stand as a testament to your brand’s distinctiveness in a crowded marketplace.
Character development is a crucial aspect of storytelling. Writers strive to create memorable and relatable characters who drive the narrative forward. These characters are not static; they undergo transformations, and their relationships with other characters can evolve throughout the story. One powerful tool for understanding and crafting these character dynamics is the character map. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of character maps and how they can help writers explore the shifting roles of protagonists and antagonists in their stories.
The Importance of Character Dynamics
Before we dive into character maps created at StoryboardThat, it’s essential to understand why character dynamics matter in storytelling. Dynamic characters are those who experience growth, change, or evolution throughout the narrative. They capture readers’ attention and elicit emotional responses because they feel like real people dealing with real challenges.
Character dynamics, especially the relationships between protagonists and antagonists, can make or break a story. These dynamics provide the conflict and tension that propel the plot forward. Think of classic literary pairs like Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty, Harry Potter and Voldemort, or Katniss Everdeen and President Snow. These antagonists play a pivotal role in shaping the development of the protagonists, and vice versa.
What Are Character Maps?
Character maps are visual tools that writers use to chart the relationships, interactions, and developments of their characters throughout a story. They can take various forms, from simple diagrams to complex charts, and can be as detailed as the writer needs them to be. Character maps help writers keep track of how their characters evolve and how they connect with one another.
Here are some key elements that character maps can include:
Character Traits: Writers can list the personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, and quirks of each character. Understanding these traits helps writers create consistent and believable character arcs.
Character Relationships: Character maps can depict the relationships between characters, highlighting connections such as friendship, rivalry, or mentorship. This visual representation makes it easier to see how characters impact one another.
Character Arcs: Writers can outline the journey each character undertakes, noting their initial state, challenges faced, and eventual growth or transformation. This helps ensure that character development is cohesive and engaging.
Character Goals and Motivations: Understanding what drives each character is essential. Character maps can outline their goals and motivations, making it easier to track how these change over the course of the story.
Character Interactions: Writers can chart specific scenes or moments where characters interact, showcasing pivotal moments in their relationships.
Evolving Protagonists and Antagonists
One of the most fascinating aspects of character dynamics is how protagonists and antagonists can evolve and, at times, switch roles over the course of a story. Character maps allow writers to visualize these transformations and explore the nuances of their characters’ journeys.
Protagonists Becoming Antagonists
In some stories, the protagonist may start with noble intentions but gradually succumb to darker impulses or circumstances, turning them into an antagonist. Conflicts within the organization or external factors may be the driving force behind this shift. Character maps can help writers track this transformation and ensure it feels organic and compelling.
Take, for example, the character of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars. Initially introduced as a hero with great potential, he ultimately becomes Darth Vader, one of the most iconic antagonists in cinematic history. Character maps would show the gradual change in Anakin’s traits, relationships, and motivations as he transitions from protagonist to antagonist.
Antagonists Finding Redemption
Conversely, antagonists can experience redemption arcs that lead them to become allies or even protagonists. These arcs can be some of the most emotionally satisfying aspects of a story. Character maps help writers plan and execute these redemptions effectively.
A classic example of an antagonist finding redemption is Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series. Initially portrayed as a villainous character, Snape’s complex backstory and motivations are gradually revealed, leading to his ultimate redemption. Character maps would highlight key moments where Snape’s relationship with Harry Potter evolves and the factors that drive his transformation from antagonist to a more sympathetic character.
Case Study: Macbeth
To illustrate the use of character maps in exploring character dynamics, let’s examine William Shakespeare’s tragic play, “Macbeth.” The character map for “Macbeth” would include the following elements:
Characteristics: Macbeth starts out as a brave and devoted warrior but succumbs to ambition and paranoia. Lady Macbeth is initially ruthless and manipulative, but later descends into guilt and madness.
Character Relationships: Macbeth’s relationship with his wife, Lady Macbeth, is central to the story, as her ambitions drive him to commit murder. The character map would depict how their relationship evolves from a partnership in ambition to a source of mutual torment.
Character Arcs: Macbeth’s character arc involves his descent from hero to tyrant. Lady Macbeth’s arc traces her decline from a confident instigator to a guilt-ridden and suicidal figure.
Character Goals and Motivations: Macbeth’s goal shifts from being a loyal subject to becoming king at any cost. Lady Macbeth’s motivation is her desire for power and status.
Character Interactions: The character map would highlight key moments such as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s plotting, their interactions with the three witches, and Macbeth’s confrontations with other characters like Macduff.
By creating a character map for “Macbeth,” writers can gain a deeper understanding of how the characters’ dynamics drive the tragedy of the play. It becomes clear that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s initial ambition and unity ultimately lead to their downfall, highlighting the intricate relationship between protagonists and antagonists in Shakespeare’s masterpiece.
Tips for Creating Effective Character Maps
Now that we’ve explored the importance of character dynamics and the use of character maps, here are some tips for creating effective character maps for your own writing:
Start Simple: Begin with basic character traits and relationships. As your story develops, you can add more details to your character map.
Use Visuals: Visual elements like diagrams, flowcharts, or even digital tools can make character maps more engaging and easier to reference.
Update as You Write: Character dynamics can evolve as you write, so don’t hesitate to update your character map as your story progresses.
Seek Feedback: Share your character map with beta readers or critique partners to ensure that the character dynamics are clear and compelling.
Stay Consistent: Use your character map as a reference to maintain consistency in character traits and relationships throughout your story.
Conclusion
Character dynamics are at the heart of compelling storytelling, and character maps are valuable tools for exploring and crafting these dynamics. From protagonists turning into antagonists to villains finding redemption, character maps help writers visualize the intricate relationships and transformations that drive their narratives.
As you embark on your next writing journey, consider using character maps to dive deeper into your characters’ arcs and relationships. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to create rich, dynamic characters that resonate with readers and elevate your storytelling to new heights.
