A Personal Journey in Design

When I first transitioned into digital design—primarily focusing on websites—I had a strong desire to push the boundaries; chaotic typography, eye-popping colours, and animations that could easily overwhelm the senses. I aimed to be bold, abstract, and unconventional, driven by the excitement of creating something visually “cool.” After all, who doesn’t love to craft something that resembles art? This approach mirrored the style I embraced in college, where form took precedence and functionality often came second—if at all.

However, as I spent more time in the digital space, I noticed something crucial: websites aren’t just meant to be visually stimulating. They serve a functional purpose—to deliver information quickly, efficiently, and clearly. This realisation led me to shift my focus. I started thinking from the user’s perspective: How can this platform be easier to navigate? How do I ensure the content is readable? The “art” I once loved slowly took a backseat to functionality, and in the process, I lost a bit of that creative spark that originally drew me to design. I missed the visual thrill of pushing boundaries.

This personal journey led me to question: Why do form and function have to be at odds? Could they work together?

The Origins of "Form Follows Function"

The debate over the relationship between form and function isn’t new. It has been a topic of conversation in design and architecture for over a century. Louis Sullivan, the famed architect often credited with coining the term "form follows function," believed that a building’s shape should be determined by its purpose. He says, “All things in nature have a shape, that is to say, a form, an outward semblance, that tells us what they are.” He didn’t ignore aesthetics—he simply believed they should be driven by practicality. This philosophy helped shape modern architecture but didn’t mean sacrificing beauty.

Similarly, industrial designer Dieter Rams, known for his minimalist work at Braun, famously remarked, “Good design is as little design as possible.” Rams believed the best designs were those stripped down to their essentials, where nothing unnecessary cluttered the product. Yet, even in this minimalism, there was an undeniable elegance. His work proved that simplicity in function can coexist with a pleasing aesthetic.

Form and Function: Allies, Not Opponents

Let’s start by dispelling the myth that form and function are opposites, or that one must be sacrificed for the other. In reality, they work together and enhance each other when balanced thoughtfully.

Think about the smartphone in your hand. If purely functional, it might be a clunky, unattractive block with awkward protrusions to accommodate hardware. But designers didn’t stop there. They found a way to make it sleek and elegant while keeping it functional. The result: A device that works efficiently and appeals to the senses.

Frank Lloyd Wright, a protégé of Louis Sullivan, embraced the idea that “form follows function.” However, Wright took this notion further, evolving it into his? philosophy that “form and function are one.” He believed that nature serves the best example of this integration, where every element serves a purpose while contributing to the overall beauty of the environment.

Wright did not dismiss aesthetics. His buildings didn’t just serve a purpose; they blended with their surroundings, becoming both practical and beautiful. He famously expanded the idea, stating, “Form follows function—that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.” His work exemplifies how design can harmoniously integrate both form and function, rather than viewing them as separate entities.

The Pitfalls of Prioritising One Over the Other

While form and function can and should complement each other, it’s crucial to understand the risks of focusing too much on one at the expense of the other. When function alone is prioritised, the result may be a product that works perfectly but fails to engage or inspire. Think of useful designs that perform their job but lack any visual appeal or emotional impact. They serve their purpose but leave users feeling disconnected and uninspired.

On the other hand, placing too much emphasis on form can lead to visually stunning creations that fail to meet practical needs. A chair may look like a masterpiece, but if it’s uncomfortable to sit on, it’s not doing its job. Eye-catching designs that sacrifice usability may attract attention but fall short of offering meaningful, lasting value.

This delicate balance between form and function is often misunderstood. It’s not a matter of choosing one over the other but about finding a way to coexist and reinforce each other. Whether it's a chair, a smartphone, or a website, the best designs are those that embody this union, delivering both beauty and purpose in equal measure.

Finding the Balance in Real-World Design

Reflecting on my journey, I realised that my struggle with separating form and function mirrored broader challenges in the design industry. Too often, designers and developers feel the need to choose sides—prioritising usability or beauty. But that’s a false choice. True innovation lies at the intersection of both.

For instance, Ray and Charles Eames—the visionary couple behind the iconic Eames Lounge Chair—understood the importance of merging form and function. They believed that design should anticipate and meet the needs of the user while maintaining visual appeal. Charles Eames once said, “The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.” Their work demonstrates how functionality and beauty coexist, avoiding the pitfalls seen in design that prioritises aesthetics over usability.

This philosophy aligns closely with that of Frank Lloyd Wright, whose work, while practical, beautifully integrated into the natural environment; reflecting a harmonious union between purpose and beauty rather than a compromise.

Reclaiming the Balance: My Design Journey

This journey of understanding balance became a personal one for me. After years of prioritising function over form, I started questioning why I could not have both. Why should a website be purely functional without any visual flair? Why can’t art and accessibility coexist? It became clear that the most effective designs—the ones that stand the test of time—don’t make this trade-off. Instead, they find a way to integrate both aspects seamlessly.

In my current work, I strive to find this harmony. Whether through colour choices that are both visually striking and accessible or animations that enhance the user experience rather than distract from it; I aim to let form and function guide each other. Websites should be machines for communication—clean, efficient, and intuitive—but also engaging, inspiring, and, yes, even beautiful.

Bringing It All Together

In the end, the balance between form and function is not just a design theory; it serves as a practical framework for creating lasting, impactful work. The journey to achieving that balance is deeply personal and continually evolving. However, the goal remains clear: to craft designs that fulfil their intended purpose by enriching the user experience while still inspiring an emotional connection through their beauty. That’s where true innovation happens—at the point where form and function are not at odds but are woven together into something greater than the sum of their parts.

This journey of continuous learning has shaped my approach to design, with each project presenting a fresh opportunity to explore how form and function can coexist harmoniously—and I’m still mastering this balance. There are moments when I get lost in the allure of aesthetics, and I have to remind myself of the teachings of those who came before me. As I reflect on what I’ve learned from the past and stay open to new ideas, I’ll keep those lessons in mind while designing and creating work that is both practical and resonates with people.?