Form versus function has been a hotly debated subject in every modern product and device. Unfortunately, the engineers who are responsible with the creation and existence of said products typically and half-justifiably plant themselves alongside the “function first” position. In fact, as I state this, many of you are clenching fists, re-reading phrases and words to catch misplaced arguments, and willing to jump at any opportunity to virtually strangle me. I, of course, stand by my position: form OVER function. To try and control your mind and steer it towards my biased viewpoint, I will try and be as objective and concise as I can with specific examples in the industry.

I’ve listed five arguments (in order of what I think helps explain my viewpoint) of why the actual design of a product should precede function. Granted, this assumes that the specific functional objectives and goals of the product have been set in place, which is typically one of the first steps towards the formation of a product. A need in society must be fulfilled by the function of the device. Let us continue.

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