Brief Introduction to the Concept of Form vs Function in Design Design 11

Form and Function Form – the way something looks Form – the way something looks Function – the way something works (or the purpose of the item) 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: 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’ web.com/articles/form_follows_function/ web.com/articles/form_follows_function/ web.com/articles/form_follows_function/ web.com/articles/form_follows_function/

Form Follows Function (cont.) In design if an object looks good but does not work it is less useful In design if an object looks good but does not work it is less useful This is true of physical objects like a can opener This is true of physical objects like a can opener This is true of print media for example posters. This is true of print media for example posters. Even websites can be good looking but ineffective 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 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” 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 This process is a series of steps we use to identify, analyze, and solve a design process

The Design Process Use a Design Brief for Organization purposes. Design Problem Statement Design Problem Statement Identify Possible Solutions (usually 6) Identify Possible Solutions (usually 6) Research these solutions Research these solutions Design models / pictures Design models / pictures Choose the best solution Choose the best solution For more information on the design process go to: For more information on the design process go to:

Design Problem The design problem is a short paragraph describing the design problem. The design problem is a short paragraph describing the design problem. The paragraph does not discuss anything you intend to do to solve the problem, but is a general statement about the nature of the problem. The paragraph does not discuss anything you intend to do to solve the problem, but is a general statement about the nature of the problem. The problem is usually stated in the first sentence followed by other important details The problem is usually stated in the first sentence followed by other important details Source: Source:

Design Brief The design brief is a short paragraph describing the design challenge and what you intend to do The design brief is a short paragraph describing the design challenge and what you intend to do Normally, the brief starts with a statement like: “I intend to design and make.....”. Normally, the brief starts with a statement like: “I intend to design and make.....”. The statement should be relatively specific, and should contain information about the solution to the design problem that will allow for the possibility of making changes if needed. The statement should be relatively specific, and should contain information about the solution to the design problem that will allow for the possibility of making changes if needed. It need not mention specific materials, at this stage, as those will be covered in the Design Brief Booklet, as the solution could change throughout the process. It need not mention specific materials, at this stage, as those will be covered in the Design Brief Booklet, as the solution could change throughout the process.

Example Design Problem A number of houses have been broken into on Main Street. It has been noticed that the number of strangers walking down the street has increased lately and house owners are becoming concerned about their home security. 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. A number of houses have been broken into on Main Street. It has been noticed that the number of strangers walking down the street has increased lately and house owners are becoming concerned about their home security. 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.

Example Design Brief The student designer decides to design and make a security device that will make the 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. (Notice the statement is general yet defines a solution) The student designer decides to design and make a security device that will make the 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. (Notice the statement is general yet defines a solution)

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. 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 Student designer here decides 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, (Again general but descriptive enough to understand what the solution will be). Student designer here decides 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, (Again general but descriptive enough to understand what the solution will be).

What Design Problem do you see? What Design Problem do you see?

Parking Machine You need to push a button before it will accept your money. 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. Most people assume that any type of vending machine will accept money first. Also, the directions seem to be very unclear and confusing. If you have ever paid for parking at a lot you would know how unclear it is. Also, the directions seem to be very unclear and confusing. If you have ever paid for parking at a lot you would know how unclear it is.

Another design flaw in this situation…

Filing Cabinet Handle Handle does not open the drawer. Handle does not open the drawer. It is simply used to pull cabinet when needs moving. It is simply used to pull cabinet when needs moving. Drawer handles are inset. Drawer handles are inset. What is a possible design solution to the handle issue. What is a possible design solution to the handle issue.

And what about this Traffic Light?

Confusing Traffic Light The small green arrow under the red light can confuse drivers. The small green arrow under the red light can confuse drivers. Do you stop first or proceed? Do you stop first or proceed? What might you do to fix this problem? What might you do to fix this problem?