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 versus function

• Retro-styling

• Conflict and compromise

• Practical function versus psychological function

• How retro-styling a new product needs to respect and understand the original form and underlying structure before making changes

• The tension between form and function when developing new products based on a classic design

• Comparison of retro-styled products with the original production models in relation to form and function

• Identify products where either practical function or psychological function has been the determining factor in the design

The balance between function and form is often an area of difficulty for the designer. If a product is purely functional, it may be lacking in appeal to consumers, no matter how good it may be at completing its job. Often we are drawn to products that have been developed with form as a primary consideration. The human psyche appreciates beauty.