How Form and Function Goes Beyond Architecture

In architecture the two concepts of form and function are often contrasting, but they are blended to work together. For instance, an architecture must take into account the style of building their client desires while still making it functional on both a construction and purpose level. In the same manner, form and function go beyond architecture.These concepts apply to various areas from building a car to a xylophone to even marketing materials. When publishing and designing, form and function are commonly blended in the same manner; they are mutually balanced and compromised to achieve a finished product, whether for business card printing or newspaper layout. 

Function in Design

For publishing, function is conveying a message. This starts with the purpose of the message. Is it to inform, sell, or for entertainment purposes only? Next consider the audience, budget and placement. For example, placement may require that lettering is thick and visible from a distance. Also, the audience may be conservative, and turned off by something too racy or grungy. When weighing function, the cost of the end product just might be too over-budget to be rational.        

Form in Design

Form, like in architecture, is all about what is aesthetically pleasing. Is the publishing pleasing to the sight and touch of its audience? It may need to be a small size to fit into a wallet, such as with business card printing, or need to be capable of sticking to a refrigerator where the product will be seen often, also necessary with business card printing or postcards. The overall appearance including arrangement, color, and design add to the effectiveness of a publishing. Another example is comments or visualizations which are meant to leave a lasting impression are often the first or last item to be seen in a product.  

Blending Form and Function

Blend form and function to work together in publishing. This will help to develop a finished product. Without a function, a published piece is just a work of art and only serves the purpose of entertaining. Without form, a publishing may get the point across, but get overlooked in our competitive world of marketing. The individual aspects of form and function are weighted to consider importance and overall effect on the business card printing, poster, postcard, flyer, etc. Therefore, blend your publishing to achieve balance. Once your goals and purposes are determined, list these as criteria for your publishing. For example, eye catching, accessible, inexpensive, and petite may be fitting. The purpose may be to market your place of business and attract new customers or to get your name out and establish a strong brand. Knowing your goals and purpose will help you better blend the form and function to create promotional materials that get your desired results.