The form of something is its structure and the function is what it does. A body part’s function depends on its form.  

As nouns the difference between form and function is that form is to do with shape while function is what something does or is used for. 

“Form and function are a unity, two sides of one coin. In order to enhance function, appropriate form must exist or be created.”

Ida Pauline Rolf

What I’ve understood from my research is that FORM follows FUNCTION, which means FORM alone doesn’t make sense in an industrial platform if there’s no FUNCTION of it. To give an identity and make it useful. Whether it’s in regards to packaging, web design, print ads, or animated graphics, we know that form must follow function. After having designed an object the next step is to design its shape considering the fundamental aspects that are most requested by users and its function. Because beauty is the fundamental thing in the design that attracts the attention of the public.

Here are four rules you must follow if you want form and function to flow (and customers to flow to your brand):

1.     Typography

Remember that, “Typography exists to honor content.” Any choices with fonts and layout should be done in a way that makes the content more legible and easier to digest. Typographic rules are different for print and web design. Decide whether your design will be viewed in pixels or in ink.

2.     Color

Although it is important, color should be brought in at the end as an enhancer. Make sure you aren’t just relying on beautiful colors to make your design work. Think about the target audience. What will draw them in visually? Here is a great article about some current color trends in web design.

3.     Hierarchy

Make sure your design is displaying the most important information first. Size, color and placement can all play a part in creating a hierarchy of information that will allow your design to be understood easier and faster.

4.     Functionality

Truly functional design will outlast any current trend or fad. Remember what the purpose is and take a step back to look at the bigger picture.

“It is the pervading law of all things organic, and inorganic, of all things physical and metaphysical, of all things human and all things super-human, of all true manifestations of the head, of the heart, of the soul, that the life is recognizable in its expression, that form ever follows function. This is the law.”

Louis Sullivan 

APA:

  • Wikidiff- https://wikidiff.com/form/function