Form's Function

My reflections on 'Form' vis-a-vis 'Form & Function.'

While there exists a rich intellectual history discussing the relationship between Form and Function, I choose to share my thoughts without alluding to that history. My reason for this omission echoes Miguel de Cervantes, who aptly expressed, "...because I'm not capable of providing them, owing to my deficiencies and lack of learning, and because I'm too lazy by nature to seek authorities to say what I can say without them." Thus, I proceed.

In recent Western history, Form has often yielded to Function. During periods when Form has resisted the dominance of Function, it tended to become excessive, leading to phases of over-ornamentation. This glut of aesthetics for aesthetics’ sake invariably prompts a counter-reaction by Function, ushering in an era of austere utilitarianism. Rarely have we witnessed an optimal synthesis between Form and Function.

Stalin once remarked that "quantity has a quality of its own." Similarly, Form has a Function of its own. Form and Function aren't adversaries but share a mutualistic relationship, a dialectical dance. Like yin and yang, one cannot exist without the other, and, importantly, each enhances the meaning of the other.

While I mainly refer to Form in an aesthetic sense vis-a-vis 'Form vs. Function,' a similar tension exists between investing in Marketing versus Product in the early days of building a company. Many perceive marketing and brand development as less important in the early stages of a project. However, this perspective is misguided. Marketing and brand represent the formal expressions of a project's essence, a spirit that is more influential and enduring than the product itself. Balancing attention to both spirit and product from the project's inception ensures mutual support.

Now, let's explore the symbiotic relationship between aesthetic Form and practical Function. Steve Jobs noted that Japanese firms often don't mention "quality" in their ads, yet consumers rank Japanese products highly in terms of quality. He goes on to say that this is because people make determinations of quality based on their experience with the product, not based on the marketing. 

Jobs’ point alludes to the moment when Form and Function first converge, projecting their relationship onto the end user's thoughts. While it is true that people primarily base their perceptions of quality on their experience with the product itself, it is also true that this experience is highly mediated by any messaging the user interfaced with prior to that experience. This is especially true in the case of Jobs’ own company, Apple. In any object or action, Form must honestly convey Function, and Function must not betray the message of Form. When they align, they form a powerful partnership, both crucial to the overall impact.

This Form-Function dynamic is applicable in various contexts, such as products, interior design, architecture, social dynamics, and political procedures (e.g., decorum). When Form or Function betrays the other, a sense of inauthenticity often prevails (e.g., virtuous political words conflicting with real-life actions). Acknowledging and harmonizing Form and Function is key to achieving a unified outcome that resonates with us on a deeper, spiritual level. This integration speaks to the soul more profoundly than if ruled by either Form or Function alone.

This is what I mean when I say "Form has a Function of its own."