Aesthetics and Technology

Design and Technology
Hugh Pizey
13/02/14


The black box. Somewhat mysterious sounding. The ultimate example of form following function. You can find black boxes in fighter jets, helicopters and many computing applications. They are often used to house electronics and be stored somewhere where they won't be seen for years to come. 

Many designs follow this 'form following function' way of thinking, especially in the field of engineering. Most products are made for a function; to aid the user in some way or another while performing a task. Ultimately, we want products that do what they are supposed to, don't we? 


Think of the humble lamp: it's function is to shine light, so why is there thousands of lamps available in all shapes and sizes?

A quick Google image search will present you with a massive range of forms for a lamp. Yet all perform the same task, providing light for a room by converting electricity. Pixar transformed the humble lamp into a loveable character (as they have a habit of being able to do, may I add). There is such a range in lamp forms and styles, because we each are individuals and have a different taste in what we like. This might seem like the most obvious statement, but lets consider it.


If the look of something is so important, should function not follow form? Should the form of the cars we buy be determined by how they look and feel, not how much bhp or torque produced? Should the chairs we use be beautiful rather than practical.

This may be an extreme way of looking at this, but it certainly offers a new way of thinking. When a design is being produced, should the form just be an afterthought? Or should it be the most important factor? Hmm...