Form Follows Function

If an object has to perform a certain function, its design must support that function to the fullest extent possible. The saying "Form follows function" was coined by the American architect Louis Sullivan in his article "The Tall Office Building Artistically Considered" published in 1896. This 'tall office building' soon came to be known as the skyscraper. He expressed the efficiency of modern architecture with his famous quote:

"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."

Consider the design process and how it was applied to selected objects and systems. How did required functionality affect the specifics of the design? Complete a quantitative analysis of an object. Compare functional requirements with aesthetic values. Using lessons learned, exercise judgement of a product's function and how it affects design.

Deliverables

Monday, 2/2:

• Discuss how the design process was applied to objects around the PLTW Lab
• Choose an everyday object
• Brainstorm the needs and proportions (Keeping form follows function in mind, what would make this object 'better'?)
• Research and analyze the client and product

Tuesday, 2/3:

• Read excerpt from Don Norman's The Design of Everyday Things
• Concept sketch your object, include detailed multi-view sketches 

Wednesday, 2/4:

• Design CAD parts for the object
• Develop and refine the design

Thursday, 2/5:

• Work on presentation
• Write reflection blog post

Friday, 2/6:

• Critique

Reflection Post

1. Describe: Describe what you intended—colors, size shapes.
2. Analyze: Try to describe the process for how it is made.
3. Apply: Describe the ways it meets the project requirement
4. Associate: What does it remind you of?
5. Compare: To what is it similar? In what way is it unique?
6. Arguments: Take a stand, have an opinion. How could it be better?

Here's a preview of what's happening next week in the PLTW Lab.