Form vs Function in Design

By Dan Lunney

Design 11 – Sackville High School

Form and Function

• Form – the way something looks

• Function – the way something works (or the purpose of the item)

Form Follows Function

• In a web magazine article by Peter-Paul Koch titled Form Follows Function he states:‘The basic rule for any design is “Form follows

function.” If an object has to perform a certain function, its design must support that function to the fullest extent possible’

• http://www.digital-web.com/articles/form_follows_function/

Form Follows Function (cont.)

• In design if an object looks good but does not work it is useless

• This is true of physical objects like a can opener

• This is true of print media for example posters.

• Even websites can be good looking but ineffective

When Form Does Not Follow Function

• When form does not follow function in design we say we have a design problem

• To correct the problem we follow a process called the “Design Process”

• This process is a series of steps we use to identify, analyze, and solve a design process

The Design Process

• Design Problem• Design Brief• Identify Possible Solutions (usually 6)• Research these solutions• Design models / pictures• Choose the best solution• For more information on the design process go

to:• http://www.technologystudent.com

Design Problem

• The design problem is a short paragraph describing the design problem.

• It does not discuss anything you intend to do to solve the problem

• The problem is usually stated in the first sentence followed by other important details

• Source: www.technologystudent.com

Design Brief

• The design brief is a short paragraph describing what you intend to do

• Always start the design brief with “I am going to design and make .....”.

• It should not be specific. It should be a general solution. This allows the possibility of different solutions

• Does not mention materials it will be made with as this would also be different possible solutions

• Source: www.technologystudent.com

Example Design Problem

• A number of houses have been broken into on my street. It has been noticed that the number of strangers walking down our street has increased lately and house holders are becoming concerned about the security of their houses. The police have advised people to make their houses look as if they are occupied when they go away for a holiday or even out for the evening. This may deter a potential thief from breaking into either the house or garage.

• Source: www.technologystudent.com

Example Design Brief

• I am going to design and make a security device that will make my house look occupied when, in fact, it is empty. Police statistics clearly show that houses are much more likely to be broken into when they are empty. Consequently, if the house looks occupied it is likely to be safe.

• Source: www.technologystudent.com

Sample Design Problem

Design Problem

• There are two problems with these doors. The first problem is that the handles are designed for pulling rather than pushing. Doors designed for pushing usually have handles with flat surfaces that look easy to push and hard to pull. The second problem is that the two sets of doors work in opposite ways. To pass through the walkway you must first PULL open one set of doors and then PUSH open the second set of doors.

Design Brief

• I am going to design and make new handles and hinges that will allow the doors to work together so the a person can easily open the doors walking in either direction

What Design Problem do you see?

Parking Machine

• You need to push a button before it will accept your money.

• Most people assume that any type of vending machine will accept money first.

• Also, the directions seem to be very confusing

Try this one…

File Cabinet Handle

• Handle does not open drawer

• Use to pull cabinet• Possible design

solution

And what about this?

Confusing Traffic Light

• The small green arrow under the red light can confuse drivers.

• Do you stop first or proceed?