Illustrated Analysis of BoE Shield Looks

In the recent post "BOE Shields - An Analysis Of What Might Sell Post Patch 4.3" over at Power Word: Gold Keelhaul (@_Keelhaul) did an analysis of Bind on Equip (BoE) shield differentiation in World of Warcraft from a gold-making perspective.

I was so impressed with the quality of the post that I decided to re-post a section of the analysis over here. I think it can really help players who are looking for unique shield looks for their character on the auction house. After the jump I share an excerpt of Keelhaul's analysis as well as images of some of shields I found most interesting.

Shields: Visual Positioning Analysis

From the post: "With personalization becoming so valuable in 4.3 with transmogrification, we'll see over time that a player's ability to stand out among their peers will likely become highly desirable.

Shields: Visual Positioning Analysis (Click to Enlarge)

This chart is what we call in my professional field (design research), a visual positioning exercise.  You're analyzing form, not color or iconography, on a 2 x 2 axis.  Players making decisions entirely based upon color or iconography will likely be a smaller audience.

The vertical axis is a continuum of Introverted forms (singular, quiet geometry) to Extroverted forms (multiple, intersecting, loud geometry).

The horizontal axis is a continuum of Linear forms (static, rectilinear, predictable geometry) to Organic forms (fluid, multi-transitional unpredictable geometry)."

Shields: Differentiation Analysis

Shields:  Differentiation Analysis 

"This chart is what we call in my professional field (design research), a visual positioning exercise.  You're analyzing form, not color or iconography, on a 2 x 2 axis.  Players making decisions entirely based upon color or iconography will likely be a smaller audience.

The vertical axis is a continuum of Introverted forms (singular, quiet geometry) to Extroverted forms (multiple, intersecting, loud geometry).

The horizontal axis is a continuum of Linear forms (static, rectilinear, predictable geometry) to Organic forms (fluid, multi-transitional unpredictable geometry)."

The Looks

I always like to get a good look at what items look like and so I put together images of the most interesting shields from the analysis post. Also because all the shields in the post are BoE there is a chance of finding them for sale on the auction house.

Skullflame Shield

Skullflame Shield (Click to Enlarge)

Skullflame Shield Animation

Northern Barrier

Northern Barrier (Click to Enlarge)

Force Reactive Disk

Force Reactive Disk (Click to Enlarge)

Force Reactive Disk Animation

Zulian Swirling Shield

Zulian Swirling Shield (Click to Enlarge)

Zom's Crackling Bulwark

Zom's Crackling Bulwark (Click to Enlarge)

Zom's Crackling Bulwark Animation

Keelhaul has let me know they are working on further analysis for the various armor and weapon types. We look forward to bringing you more in the future.