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Conceptual Understanding: Classic design holds “form follows function” as a fundamental principle, but this is not always evident in practice. Some products are so well designed with function as their primary goal, that their use is intuitive. As designers develop new technologies, the lines between the form and function of a product continue to blur.
Form
In the context of classic design, form relates to the shape and the aesthetic qualities that the product has.
If we look at the bathroom above, check out the FORM, the MINIMALIST design. Does this bathroom actually work? Put yourself in the environment, what would it look like if you were to actually USE this bathroom.
Function
Products can be considered classic designs based on how well they fulfil the task that they have been designed for.
Look at the Chess set above, what does the form say about it's function? This is a classic example where the form follows the function but has not been forgotten. Perfect Bauhaus, IMO.
Form versus function
The result of design should derive directly from its purpose. Sometimes there is tension between form and function and often some classic designs don't always have both qualities.
This video although the quality is a little so-so is actually pretty good. The presenter shows some clear examples of form follows function.
Conflict and compromise: The balance between function and form is often a difficult area for the designer. If a product is purely functional, it may be lacking in appeal to consumers, no matter how good it is at completing its job. Often we are drawn to products that have been developed with form as the primary consideration. The human psyche appreciates beauty. The aesthetics of a product are embedded in its form and often we can be drawn or attracted to it because of its inherent beauty perhaps overlooking its functional attributes.
For a product to be truly successful on the market place and to achieve classical status:
"Form follows function - that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in spiritual union "
Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright
Practical function versus psychological function
Some products have either practical function or psychological function has the determining factor in the design.
When practical function forms the designers primary goal the interaction with the object can become intuitive. Intuitive design will have a number of redeeming features: affordance, expectation, efficiency, responsiveness, responsiveness, forgiveness, explorability, emotional security.
A product can transcend the its practical function to meeting the psychological needs of the user by evoking emotions- aesthetically pleasing objects appear to the user to be more effective, by virtue of their sensual appeal.
This is due to the affinity the user feels for an object that appeals to them, due to the formation of an emotional connection with the object.
Practical function
Determined by the rational - the logical or well reasoned approach to its usability and reliability.
The baby bag looks like a standard rucksack from the outside, thus would not most likely create any emotional response. Only when it is opened and used would the user truly understand the benefits. The reliability of this product would create the connection. (Would you buy this even if you didn't know the brand?)
Psychological function
Determined by the emotional responses. These are the 'needs and wants' driven by fads, fashion and technological trends.
Decisions by the designer or the user will evoke psychological responses- personal identity, the narrative of ‘me’ and relate to the desirability of the object or space.
The bladeless fan, available in blue or white already communicates coolness (temperature wise). The lack of solidity suggest openness and thus air. Its design shouts modern, tech, power and cash on the hip. People buy this because it makes them feel that they belong to a modern society, one that can afford the luxuries life has to offer. (Would you still buy the same design knowing it was a cheaper copy?)
Balance function and form.
Retro-Styling
Retro styling uses the form and decoration of classic designs from a particular period of time and/or style. Retro styling builds on the classic image but can often involve the use of new technology. Retro-styling a new product needs to respect and understand the original form and underlying structure before making changes. Designers need to however be respectful of the original designer's intent.
Retro-design often mimics a product or past experience to evoke feelings of nostalgia. Modern retro products may also use an old format to meet a new demand.
This example is actually a DAB radio.
For Mini Cooper it was important to keep the car small, playful and cute. A whole generation had grown up with the original Mini, and it’s retro styled remake needed to capture the same emotion to appeal to this generation a second time around.
Retro-styling a new product, the designer needs to respect and understand the original form and underlying structure before making changes.
But the question is.. Why?
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