Intel 4004 Community Lot

[Sumbody77]

Hey guys, I'm creating an Intel 4004 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_4004)-themed electronics store. I got the outside nearly done, including the sticker-thing on top, but I have no idea what to do with the interior, so I need some help. Here are images of the exterior and interior:

Exterior (http://gyroxopex.deviantart.com/gallery/?catpath=scraps#/d34y7mt)

Interior (http://gyroxopex.deviantart.com/art/TS2-Intel-4004-Interior-189713613)

Also, I re-read the article, and it seems I've missed the other eight pins on the back. Since that means I'd have to destroy lots of other walls, I was wondering if there was a cheat or mod that allows me to build out to the boundaries of the lot without getting the "Location out of bounds" message.

The wallpaper is custom, and it's called "Plain white wallpaper". I forgot who the creator was, so if you could find a link to the thread, that would be nice. I got it with a mansion.

[maybesomethingdunno]

Your pictures aren't showing up. :(

[Sumbody77]

Your pictures aren't showing up. :(

I know. I just posted hyperlinks.

[maybesomethingdunno]

I'm not sure if cheats would allow building to the lot edges, but I know you can with the LotAdjuster (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=384656).

Exterior: I understand your intention is to make the building resemble the Intel 4004. Usually lots submitted here must not be too box-shaped or "blocky" and require some landscaping. I'm not staff, so I can't say for certain on this issue regarding the special case of building to resemble an object. Keep in mind that anyone playing this lot is probably going to be zoomed in much further than in your shots, meaning part of the effect is lost. IMO a community lot shouldn't look great just from a distance but also up close (if that makes sense). Decorate with objects or landscape with plants, lights, and perhaps fencing. You've got a good start, but more can be done.

Interior: I can see what games you have in your profile, but I don't know if you're using AnyGameStarter to alter the EP requirements for this lot. If you are planning on this being a Sim-owned business, you probably need a place for employees to have a break. Employees will need a toilet and so will the customers. This will mean dividing that huge room into multiple rooms. Consider a real store's floor plan. Think about aisles or departments. In general, there is often a flow to the layout. There is often a general path for the customers. Usually the stream of customers exiting from checkout do not interfere with the inward flow of customers entering. There's still a lot more work to be done here.

Right now, you've got a huge empty shell. You can space everything to minimize routing complications, but you don't want everything to be spread too far apart. That said, you don't necessarily need to fill it up completely. You could allow the outer walls to be a facade, with only a smaller part of the inside being used...for example:
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/3240/planzm.jpg (http://img829.imageshack.us/i/planzm.jpg/)
The yellow area would be an example of actual floor space; the darker area indicates walled-in areas not intended for use.

Spend a few more hours working on it. Make multiple screenshots from a good distance. You can also try ImageShack (http://imageshack.us) for image hosting; it gives you the code to easily embed images into forum posts.

[Sumbody77]

I'm not sure if cheats would allow building to the lot edges, but I know you can with the LotAdjuster (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=384656).

Exterior: I understand your intention is to make the building resemble the Intel 4004. Usually lots submitted here must not be too box-shaped or "blocky" and require some landscaping. I'm not staff, so I can't say for certain on this issue regarding the special case of building to resemble an object. Keep in mind that anyone playing this lot is probably going to be zoomed in much further than in your shots, meaning part of the effect is lost. IMO a community lot shouldn't look great just from a distance but also up close (if that makes sense). Decorate with objects or landscape with plants, lights, and perhaps fencing. You've got a good start, but more can be done.

Interior: I can see what games you have in your profile, but I don't know if you're using AnyGameStarter to alter the EP requirements for this lot. If you are planning on this being a Sim-owned business, you probably need a place for employees to have a break. Employees will need a toilet and so will the customers. This will mean dividing that huge room into multiple rooms. Consider a real store's floor plan. Think about aisles or departments. In general, there is often a flow to the layout. There is often a general path for the customers. Usually the stream of customers exiting from checkout do not interfere with the inward flow of customers entering. There's still a lot more work to be done here.

Right now, you've got a huge empty shell. You can space everything to minimize routing complications, but you don't want everything to be spread too far apart. That said, you don't necessarily need to fill it up completely. You could allow the outer walls to be a facade, with only a smaller part of the inside being used...for example:
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/3240/planzm.jpg (http://img829.imageshack.us/i/planzm.jpg/)
The yellow area would be an example of actual floor space; the darker area indicates walled-in areas not intended for use.

Spend a few more hours working on it. Make multiple screenshots from a good distance. You can also try ImageShack (http://imageshack.us) for image hosting; it gives you the code to easily embed images into forum posts.

OK, here are some updated screenshots:

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/9339/intel4004exterior.png

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3865/intel4004park.png

Thanks for the tips! If you want to demo the lot, I could RAR it for you.

[maybesomethingdunno]

Despite the cut-off near the bottom of the second one, the screenshots are better; they are closer. They show off the lot as a whole, which is good. But while pictures of the overall layout like this are required, some other screenshots that show off the various features/rooms are also desirable. Could you make more pictures that focus on just the interior (the actual store) at an even closer angle? I rather see several images showcasing the store than strain my eyes trying to see what's on those desks in this one picture. I can tell you've put some time and thought into this lot. I commend your efforts so far, but I can't critique what I can't see. :)

I don't have all EPs, so I don't think I could demo it.

[Sumbody77]

Despite the cut-off near the bottom of the second one, the screenshots are better; they are closer. They show off the lot as a whole, which is good. But while pictures of the overall layout like this are required, some other screenshots that show off the various features/rooms are also desirable. Could you make more pictures that focus on just the interior (the actual store) at an even closer angle? I rather see several images showcasing the store than strain my eyes trying to see what's on those desks in this one picture. I can tell you've put some time and thought into this lot. I commend your efforts so far, but I can't critique what I can't see. :)

I don't have all EPs, so I don't think I could demo it.

I've got some handy. Here you go:

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/7097/lounges.png

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4475/intel4004trybeforeyoubu.png

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3865/intel4004park.png

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8017/intel4004registergate.png

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/2489/intel4004phonekioskands.png

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/5954/intel4004registers.png

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/8712/intel4004gameracks.png

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/641/sbathroom.png

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/6954/bathroomj.png

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3865/intel4004park.png

[maybesomethingdunno]

I was going to ask if you were planning on this being an owned shop (Sim-run business) with just decorative items on the shelves, but I see the break room for employees. I do like the little park, but the pool area may be a bit much. For a Sim merchant business, I'm inclined to think the pool, hottub and such will be too much of a distraction for Sim customers. That said, I recall creating a Sim for the sole purpose of owning a shop that my Sims could work and shop without actually playing the "running a business" aspect; the Sim lived in a shack deep in the woods or something that I never played. I recall his business was better from a customer's standpoint than a merchant's perspective (in other words, the shop would have been losing money left and right if playing as the owner). But, I may be wrong...it's been a loooong time since I've played a business.

You may want to try trimming some of those sharp corners with diagonal walls; it may make some of the interior rooms look less blocky. But, that's just a random thought. Are you going to put computers on those desks? Or are they just for show?

Also, some of the walls look vacant (like behind the registers, around the vending machines, and in the bathroom). Perhaps cutting back on the ceiling lights and using some wall-mounted lights will help? Perhaps add some windows that fit the theme or decor? I don't see any CC, but if you're open to using a minimal amount of CC you might try some of these....

Just a few examples:
Decorative Security Camera & Animated Monitor (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=237354)
Newspaper Rack (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=381788) or SIM TODAY Newspaper Stand (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=230259)
SaraF's 9 simlish business signs, 11 diplomas and an ATM (painting) (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=280243) or 36 Simlish Government, business and advertising signs (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=278747)

Sometimes a little CC goes a long way. These are just my thoughts, though. Hopefully someone else will chime in so you're not stuck with just my input. :)

[Sumbody77]

I was going to ask if you were planning on this being an owned shop (Sim-run business) with just decorative items on the shelves, but I see the break room for employees. I do like the little park, but the pool area may be a bit much. For a Sim merchant business, I'm inclined to think the pool, hottub and such will be too much of a distraction for Sim customers. That said, I recall creating a Sim for the sole purpose of owning a shop that my Sims could work and shop without actually playing the "running a business" aspect; the Sim lived in a shack deep in the woods or something that I never played. I recall his business was better from a customer's standpoint than a merchant's perspective (in other words, the shop would have been losing money left and right if playing as the owner). But, I may be wrong...it's been a loooong time since I've played a business.

You may want to try trimming some of those sharp corners with diagonal walls; it may make some of the interior rooms look less blocky. But, that's just a random thought. Are you going to put computers on those desks? Or are they just for show?

Also, some of the walls look vacant (like behind the registers, around the vending machines, and in the bathroom). Perhaps cutting back on the ceiling lights and using some wall-mounted lights will help? Perhaps add some windows that fit the theme or decor? I don't see any CC, but if you're open to using a minimal amount of CC you might try some of these....

Just a few examples:
Decorative Security Camera & Animated Monitor (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=237354)
Newspaper Rack (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=381788) or SIM TODAY Newspaper Stand (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=230259)
SaraF's 9 simlish business signs, 11 diplomas and an ATM (painting) (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=280243) or 36 Simlish Government, business and advertising signs (http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=278747)

Sometimes a little CC goes a long way. These are just my thoughts, though. Hopefully someone else will chime in so you're not stuck with just my input. :)

Thanks. Now that you mention it, the walls do look a little bare. :)

Yeah, I'm planning on it being a Sim-owned business, and the reason I left those desks bare is because they're "try before you buy" kiosks, so people who download the lot with the intention of making it an electronics store can fill them with whatever computers they're selling, so the customers can try them and see which ones they like before buying one, which I find helps business (or they can just play games on them and not buy one =P).

I'll try making some of the walls diagonal and see how it looks. Oh, and also thanks for the links to that CC (especially the security camera). That should make it look a bit more realistic. :) I'll also take the removal of the pool under advisement, though I don't know what I'd put in its place (a bonfire, maybe?).

[Sumbody77]

Thanks. Now that you mention it, the walls do look a little bare. :)

Yeah, I'm planning on it being a Sim-owned business, and the reason I left those desks bare is because they're "try before you buy" kiosks, so people who download the lot with the intention of making it an electronics store can fill them with whatever computers they're selling, so the customers can try them and see which ones they like before buying one, which I find helps business (or they can just play games on them and not buy one =P).

I'll try making some of the walls diagonal and see how it looks. Oh, and also thanks for the links to that CC (especially the security camera). That should make it look a bit more realistic. :) I'll also take the removal of the pool under advisement, though I don't know what I'd put in its place (a bonfire, maybe?).

By the way, could you do a few adverts for this business? Some ads for the Maxis computers should be good.

[maybesomethingdunno]

You might could try something decorative (like a pond or something you might find behind a store like a dumpster or something). Don't quote me on this, but I think Sim shopping uses the Fun motive to draw Sims into shopping. If that's the case, you don't want anything to distract teen to elder Sims from shopping (I don't know if children can buy things on their own) with something more "fun."


I am not currently taking requests. However, you could either find someone who is (http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=392615) or learn how (http://www.modthesims.info/wiki.php?title=Tutorials:Object_Recolouring_Tutorials) to do it yourself (painting recolors are not too hard to learn and, in fact, can be a little addictive). :)