Embedded Files
Essential idea:
Essential idea:
For a design to become a classic design, the form can transcend the function.
For a design to become a classic design, the form can transcend the function.
Nature and Aims of Design
Nature and Aims of Design
Nature of Design
Nature of Design
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. (3.3)
Aims
Aims
Aim 6: 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.
Guidance
Guidance
As DP Design Technology student you should:
Understand how retro-styling a new product needs to respect and understand the original form and underlying structure before making changes
Recognize the tension between form and function when developing new products based on a classic design
Be able to compare 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
Concepts and Principles
Concepts and Principles
Form versus function
Form versus function
The concept of Form follows Function describes how the form or aesthetics of an object should derive directly from its function. There should be no additional or extraneous elements or flourishes. The thinking is that the function of the object should be explicit (easily recognizable to the user) and accessible (the form of the object should allow the user to readily engage or use the object).
Many of Dieter's Rams' 10 Principles for Good Design speak to the importance of the form of an object following its function.
Other factors, besides function, may dictate the form of an object:
Design for Disassembly: The form of the design allows it to be easily separated for disassembly and reuse/recycling/disposal.
Design for Manufacture: The form of the design allows for it to be assembled effectively or economically; The manufacturing process dictates how the object looks.
This video compares the original VW Beetle with the 2012 redesign. It is interesting to note how the form and function has evolved over time.
_______
_______
Resources
Resources
Article from Arizona State University discussing how the function of materials determines the form of the design: Form Follows Function in Materials Design
Form follows FUNCTION
Form follows FUNCTION
The shape and aesthetics of the design are determined by the function of the product.
The shape and aesthetics of the design are determined by the function of the product.
For example, the foldable features of this plug by Min-Kyu Choi determine its narrow form. The designer was inspired to redesign the plug when his new ultra-thin Macbook Air came with a large, bulky plug.
Function follows FORM
Function follows FORM
The form of the design is prioritized over function.
The form of the design is prioritized over function.
This may be done to create certain emotional reactions in the user, take advantage of trends and fads, appeal to certain markets, or statuses.
The Salif Juicer (described in more detail below) is a good example of form of the object taking priority of its function (it's not a very good juicer). It's iconic status, and role as a status symbol has made it a design classic
Alessi Salif Juicer, designed by Phillipe Starck.
Retro-styling
Retro-styling
Retro-styling is a design strategy that seeks to use aesthetic elements of a classic design in a modern design. The goal here is to re-create the emotional responses that the original design created in users.
Typically, retro-styled products use classic forms combined with modern technologies. Apple's original iPod very clearly used the form, proportions, and other aesthetic elements of the 1958 T3 transistor radio in its 2001 design.
Other examples of retro-styled products include the Mini Cooper and the Nokkia 3310 mobile phone.
Left: Nokkia 3310 (2001)Right: Nokkia 3310 (2017)
Read reviews of the changes at Wired.com and Pocket-Lint.com
Mini Copper Clubman redesign. Notice how the form and the size change.
Conflict and compromise
Conflict and compromise
Designers may face choices over what to prioritize in their design. Design teams consist of marketers, engineers, ergonomists, and designers, each with their own perspective of what is important in a design.
A marketer, for example, might prioritize the form of a design over the function because they view aesthetics as an important selling feature of the design.
An ergonomist might view the efficient, comfortable, and effective function of the design as of paramount importance.
An engineer might advocate for a design that is easy to disassemble for repair or disposal.
These differing priorities might be in conflict with each other. It is up to the designer and the team to identify the which priorities should drive the direction of the design and then to design accordingly.
Phillipe Starck's Salif Juicer is a well-known example of a design that prioritizes form over function. It is renowned for its aesthetic beauty, however its function is less than ideal. He stated that his inspiration for the design came while eating some squid at a restaurant and noticed that his order was missing a lemon. After calling the waiter for the lemon, he had an insight and started sketching on a napkin (see at left). The result was the design for the Alessi Salif Juicer.
Napkin with Starck's sketches of the design
Alessi Salif Juicer, designed by Phillipe Starck.
Practical function versus psychological function
Practical function versus psychological function
Practical function refers to the performance of the product such as weight, size, etc. -- the way the product performs. It represents a rational approach which places function as the primary design goal. Measuring practical function is objective and quantifiable.
Psychological function refers to the emotional attachments and psychological needs that a product meets for the user. It represents a more subjective approach to design and is measured qualifiedly.
Practical Function: Angelpoise Lamp
Psychological Function: Salif Juicer
User Interaction and Form
User Interaction and Form
Users interact with products in different ways. The type of interaction may dictate the form of the product.
Assembling the object
Assembling the object
Designing a product to be successfully assembled by the user requires certain features that would be absent from a preassembled product.
The Coral Lamp by David Trubridge is another example of a design intended for user assembly.
IKEA furniture, for example, is designed to be assembled by the consumer. As such, joints in furniture are designed to be assembled with a limited set of tools and typically by just one person. Tools and instructions are included with every product. In 2017, IKEA started to experiment with joinery systems that do away with tools all together.
IKEA assembly instructions. Note how the tools, procedures, and materials are indicated in the instructions without the use of words.
New joint design, called the "wedge dowel" for tool-less assembly.
Using the object
Using the object
User's interaction with the product is often the primary goal. The operating systems of mobile phones are a good example of the use of the object taking priority over the physical form. Users place great importance on being able to navigate and access functions on their digital device. Apple iOS and Android have emerged as the market leaders in large part because of the intuitiveness of their respective user interfaces -- which of the two is the better one is still a lively debate.
Repairing or maintaining the object
Repairing or maintaining the object
Some products require regular cleaning, maintenance or repair. For the user to do to this, the design may need to facilitate easy access and replacement of parts. Designers can make small decisions in the manufacture, assembly, and even distribution of the product to allow the user to undertake repairs and maintenance. Some examples are:
labelling items with part numbers and providing a system whereby user can easily order parts.
Downloadable STL files for 3D Printer parts allow users to print replacement and upgrade parts
Designing to allow easy access for repair, replacement, and maintenance
There are many cases of designs that do not allow easy repair and replacement of parts. See the discussion on Right To Repair for examples and more details.
Users can upgrade or repair their Prusa i3 3D printer by downloading parts from the manufacturer's website. The shape (form) of the parts are optimized for printing on a 3D printer and can be installed without the need for specialized tools or knowledge.
The modular construction of the Moka Express allows it to be easily cleaned on a daily basis. Worn out parts can be easily replaced. It's ubiquitous nature means that parts are easily available to consumers, further lengthening its usable life.
Classic Design in the news
Classic Design in the news
BrandMade.TV trailer: Series showing how famous brands are manufactured
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse