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Form and Function: A Matter of Perspective
Author(s) -
Townsend Janell D.,
Montoya Mitzi M.,
Calantone Roger J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of product innovation management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.646
H-Index - 144
eISSN - 1540-5885
pISSN - 0737-6782
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-5885.2011.00804.x
Subject(s) - function (biology) , perspective (graphical) , product (mathematics) , product design , process (computing) , new product development , process management , business , computer science , management science , marketing , knowledge management , economics , mathematics , geometry , artificial intelligence , evolutionary biology , biology , operating system
It is often claimed that in product design, product form should follow the intended function of the product. The idea of whether or not “form follows function” is a matter of entrenched views that are often based on anecdotal evidence, and may be industry‐specific. We integrate diverse perspectives of design theory and practice by addressing the definitions and relationships between two fundamental components of design: form and function. We consider the primary actors in the product design process as well as the managerially controllable aspects of function and form and the relationship between them, and offer suggestions for future research.