Design Tastes Good
Posted on November 8, 2007
I love eating waffles. They are by far my favorite breakfast food. After going through several waffle makers, we took the plunge a few years back and purchased this little model and could not be happier. It’s a Villaware we picked-up at Williams-Sonoma and we’ve been in breakfast heaven since. Constructed of heavy medal parts, non-stick surface and a built-in alarm to alert you when those tasty, golden brown creations are ready; it’s a dream to use. This appliance is well-built in every way.
Whether in architecture or web design, there’s a long-standing debate over form vs. function. Is it really one or the other? The collective whole becomes the measuring stick. Take this waffle iron for instance. Surely the sleek style and chrome finish make it an attractive purchase. But the heavy construction adds a sense of confidence that this puppy will serve us well for a good long while.
This reality affects your and my life on a daily basis. Do you shop Wal-Mart or Target more often and why? Wal-Mart has traditionally been the cheapest but, which is more stylish? Which store would you rather walk into? Does style affect your purchasing decisions? If you knew you could spend far less and get the same product at Wal-Mart would you?
Marketing is everywhere because it is so effective. In reality, we do judge a book by it’s cover. In fact, we purchase items quite often due to their packaging. We are just wired that way.
I love design. It just tastes good. When I get in my 1995 Toyota Camry with over 180,000 miles on it and cruise to work like it just rolled off the lot, I enjoy the design of the fine machine. It’s as smooth a ride as ever.
Like a well-prepared meal that is a feast to the eyes and nourishment to the body, design tastes good. It’s hard to describe but you know it when you see it.
What comes to your mind when you think of a deliciously designed product or possession?
Filed Under Just for Fun, design |
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4 Responses to “Design Tastes Good”
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I used to be form. Now I’m function. I got tired of wasting money on junk that looked pretty for about 38 seconds, until I used it, and then had to spend the money on the function anyhow. Maybe I just got old somewhere along the way?
Angie,
Thanks for your feedback. I’m fascinated by what folks have to say about this idea. Given the choice between form or function, I’m guessing most folks will say that form wins-out every time. I couldn’t agree with you more, but as I said, “Is it really one or the other? The collective whole becomes the measuring stick.” Quite often, though not always, they go hand-in-hand. True?
Funny you should mention design. I can’t avoid noticing something with a great design. My practical side won’t let me ignore function, however. For example my car (Acura TL). It’s about 7 years old now, and although the newer model has been reworked (and I struggle to not drool over it and the more pricey RL) I still enjoy my car quite a bit because it’s extremely reliable (my 4th Honda…), handles extremely well, and is pleasant to look at.
Another example is my range. There are lots of industrial grade ranges for homes now, but I chose mine (Wolf) because of its design, making sure that it had the features I’d use, and a reputation for quality to back it up. I just had to have those red knobs and that sleek digital control panel that elegantly pops out with the slightest touch of my finger.
And I love Target. Period.
Kelly, See that to me is the essence of quality design. It should have both tailored appearance with solid performance. When making a purchase I think one runs through the list of pros and cons and settles on the closest match within the resources given to spend. It’s a natural process. What is changing however is the literacy in design among the populous. That is why Target is out-pacing Wal-Mart in market appeal. That is why Macs are gaining market share like never before. It’s the total design, combining form and function.