What is design? It’s not just form, it’s function
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
Steve Jobs
This famous quote by Steve Jobs encapsulates the essence of design.
A lot of times in my work I find that people mistakenly equate design solely with aesthetics.
Even experienced people sometimes make that mistake.
However, design is much more than that; it’s about solving problems and making things work efficiently.
Design is not just aesthetics
Something that you personally don’t find good looking can still be great design if it does the job it is supposed to do well.
“Good design is obvious. Great design is transparent.”
Joe Sparano
A lot of people think design is about making things look pretty.
While aesthetics are important, they are just the tip of the iceberg.
Design is problem-solving
Design is about understanding a problem and crafting a solution.
It’s about functionality, usability, and experience.
“Design is intelligence made visible.”
Alina Wheeler
Also read What is your problem?
A perfect example of good design is the Swiss Army Knife. It’s not just visually appealing but also highly functional, offering multiple tools in one compact design.
Google’s search interface is another example. It’s simple, but the algorithms behind it are complex, making the user experience seamless.
The importance of functionality
The best designs are those that put functionality at the forefront.
If a product doesn’t serve its purpose well, no amount of aesthetic appeal can save it.
It can even be dangerous to start with the aesthetics as you might mistake something looking good for working good. Start with how it works.
“Form follows function.”
Louis Sullivan
The Apple iPhone isn’t just a pretty gadget; it revolutionized the way we interact with technology, making smartphones accessible and intuitive.
Amazon Kindles lightweight, glare-free screen and long battery life make it easy to read anywhere, proving that good design can enhance the joy of reading.
“Design is a formal response to a strategic question.”
Mariona Lopez
Design is not merely about form; it’s about function. It’s about making things work better, solving problems, and enhancing user experience.
So the next time you think about design, remember, it’s not just how it looks, but how it works that truly matters.
Good design solves problems and enhances user experience.
