Form follows function

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

“Form follows function” is a design principle that suggests that the form of a product should be based on its intended function or purpose. This principle was popularized by the architect Louis Sullivan in the late 19th century, who coined the phrase “form ever follows function.”

The idea behind “form follows function” is that a product’s design should be primarily driven by its intended use or purpose, rather than its aesthetic or visual appearance. This means that the design of a product should be informed by the way it will be used, the tasks it will perform, and the requirements of its users.

In product design, the principle of “form follows function” means that the design of a product should be based on its intended purpose and the tasks it will perform. For example, the design of a smartphone should prioritize its usability, such as ease of use and accessibility, over its aesthetic appearance.

Prioritizing usability can,

1. Enhance user experience: Usability focuses on making products easy to use, intuitive, and efficient, which can enhance the overall user experience. When a product is easy to use, users are more likely to enjoy using it and will be more likely to recommend it to others. This can help increase user satisfaction and improve brand loyalty.
2. Increase adoption: Products that are easy to use are more likely to be adopted by users. When a product is intuitive and efficient, users will be more likely to incorporate it into their daily routines. This can help increase user engagement and promote the long-term success of the product.
3. Reducing support costs: When a product is easy to use, it can help reduce support costs. Users will be less likely to encounter issues or have questions about how to use the product, which can reduce the number of support requests. This can help reduce support costs and free up resources to focus on other areas of the business.
4. Improving product reviews and ratings: Usability is often one of the main factors that users consider when rating or reviewing a product. When a product is easy to use, users are more likely to give it positive ratings and reviews, which can help increase the product’s visibility and credibility.
5. Differentiating from competitors: Usability can help differentiate a product from its competitors. When a product is easy to use, it can help set it apart from other products in the same category that may be more difficult to use. This can help give the product a competitive advantage and make it more appealing to potential users.

Photo by David Travis on Unsplash

How to ensure good usability?

1. Define the user requirements: The first step is to define the user requirements and understand the needs and expectations of the target audience. This involves conducting user research, creating user personas, and identifying the user’s goals and tasks.
2. Plan the user interface: Once the user requirements are defined, the next step is to plan the user interface. This involves creating wireframes and prototypes, designing the user flow, and defining the navigation structure of the product.
3. Apply usability principles: Usability principles are best practices for designing user-friendly products. These include principles such as simplicity, consistency, and feedback. Applying these principles can help make the product easy to use and efficient.
4. Conduct usability testing: Once the product design is complete, it is important to conduct usability testing to identify any issues or areas for improvement. Usability testing involves observing users as they interact with the product and collecting feedback and data to identify areas for improvement.
5. Refine the design: Based on the results of the usability testing, designers should refine the product design to improve usability. This may involve making changes to the user interface, navigation structure, or user flow to make the product more user-friendly and efficient.

While “form follows function” does not mean that aesthetic considerations are unimportant, it does suggest that the function of a product should take priority over its visual appearance. The goal of the principle is to create products that are efficient, effective, and user-friendly, while also being aesthetically pleasing.