The Unforeseen Beauty of Form Through Function
Form is the physical manifestation of an object, its aesthetic attributes that delight the senses. It's the captivating exterior, the allure that first draws the eye. Conversely, function signifies the essential purpose or practical use of an object or design. It's the essence, the solution to a problem, the need it fulfills.
"Form follows function" communicates that an object's shape should evolve organically from its purpose. The form isn't an arbitrary decision but a natural outcome of the function it's meant to serve. The philosophy suggests that the functional core should dictate the eventual form.
However, we often grapple with a preoccupation for what things should look like. Our minds, seeking predictability, desire a clear picture of the final product. This can lead us to prioritize form over function, causing an imbalance in the design process.
Indeed, it feels uncomfortable to let go of our expectations of appearance, to not have a tangible vision to guide us. It's unsettling to shift the focus from the visually appealing to the purely practical. Yet, embracing this discomfort is crucial to truly embody the ethos of "form follows function."
"When you get the function right, the form will reveal itself." - a Clarism
This emphasizes this principle's innate beauty. It encourages us to surrender our preconceptions, to allow function to take the reins. It suggests that when we prioritize function, the form will unfold naturally and beautifully, like a flower blooming from a bud.
In conclusion, "form follows function" is a testament to the elegance of practicality. It asks us to step beyond the comfort of familiar aesthetics and trust in the power of purpose. The principle reaffirms that when we prioritize function, form will emerge, balancing beauty and utility in a harmonious dance. It is about relinquishing control over the known and embracing the beauty of the unseen for the sake of practicality.
This is what I have always believed, however...
Perhaps it's not form following function, but form through function?
The concept of 'letting go of form' and allowing it to emerge organically from function can be a daunting idea. Often, our minds are filled with preconceived notions about how a design should look. However, by setting aside these expectations and focusing on perfecting the function, we open ourselves up to a universe of possibilities, often leading to outcomes far more intriguing and pleasing than initially envisioned.
When we prioritize function, we put problem-solving at the heart of the design process. It encourages us to think deeply about the purpose our design is meant to serve and how it can do so most effectively. This focus on utility and efficiency often leads to innovative solutions that may not have been apparent if we were confined by a predetermined form.
Freeing ourselves from the constraints of a specific form allows the creative process to flow more freely. As we work on perfecting the function, the form naturally evolves to accommodate it. This process often leads to forms that are unique, inventive, and at times, revolutionary.
Moreover, a form that emerges from the function is inherently more harmonious. It carries an innate balance between its aesthetic appeal and its utility. It doesn't just look good; it feels right. It is intuitive to use because its form is a direct reflection of its function. This harmony often leads to a design that exceeds our initial expectations, both in terms of aesthetics and usability.
In essence, by letting go of our preconceived notions of form and allowing it to manifest through function, we harness the power of organic design. This approach not only leads to an effective and efficient solution but also unveils a form that is genuine, intuitive, and sometimes, surprisingly beautiful. The result is often a design that is better than we could have ever imagined, a testament to the transformative power of the principle 'form follows function.'The principle "form follows function" is a cornerstone of design, an ideology uniting the realms of aesthetics and utility. Unraveling this principle begins with distinguishing between form and function.
Dave Clare, CEO & Founder - Circle Leadership
If you want to learn more about how to have your best year ever, please reach out to us to have a discovery call:
WHAT MATTERS MOST?
In life, in business, in relationships?
Is it where you live, the type of business you're in or what your friends, family, partner are like?
As in, the FORM it/they take?
Or is it more about FUNCTION... and how you function in and around it/them?
Does where you live inspire you to be the better and better version of you?
And could that be more important than the postcode?
Does the type of business you’re in inspire you to be the better and better version of you?
And could that be more important than whether it’s the latest ‘laptop lifestyle’ trending online biz?
Does the type of people you are around or are with inspire you to be the better and better version of you?
And could that be more important than if their last name is the same as yours, or if they went to the same school as you?
Why is it important to be better and better?
If by nature us as humans are always evolving and expanding just as the universe is...
… and if that's happening anyway – whether we like it or not - could setting a conscious intention, and applying deliberate action to be better and better mean an even juicier and more epic experience on this planet while we’re here, and for the folks who are left here after we’re gone?
I wonder what the answer would be if you asked:
“How does it get to be EVEN BETTER than this? Show me please!”
Lisa Ferguson, Leadership Coach at Circle Leadership
DAVE'S LIVESTREAM
The concept of 'letting go of form' and allowing it to emerge organically from function can be a daunting idea. Often, our minds are filled with preconceived notions about how a design should look. However, by setting aside these expectations and focusing on perfecting the function, we open ourselves up to a universe of possibilities, often leading to outcomes far more intriguing and satisfactory than initially envisioned.
In this LIVESTREAM we will explore how to let go of form and trust it will reve itself.
Click Here to Join
LISA'S LIVESTREAM
𝗙𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗘𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠 – The Order of the Matter
As someone who LOVES to get lost in the wonderment of new projects, offerings, how we’ll do things, what it'll look like and how it’ll work, I’ve had to learn the importance of FUNCTION before FORM.
Because having all the flashy products and services are one thing... but if no one’s buying them, is it possible we’ve missed the true nature of FUNCTION?
Join Lisa again this FUNDay Friday at 7:30 AM (AWST) to find out!
CLICK HERE
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