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Function vs Meaning

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Function and meaning are different ways to think about design. Design principles such as form follows function consider functionality to be the primary driver of design. This tends to result in minimalist designs that strip away anything unnecessary.
Form follows function can be used to describe many of the designs produced in the period spanning 1950s - 2010s, particular in areas such as modern architecture.
Meaning is an alternative driver of design that considers the meaning that designs have to the people who use them. People tend to tire of minimalist designs such as white rectangular rooms with no ornamentation. Meaning invites a return of human factors such as culture and emotion to design.
Function vs Meaning
Function
Meaning
Definition
Functionality as the primary driver of design. As. encapsulated by the principle form follows function.
Considering the meaning that designs have to people as a primary driver of design.
Associated With
Modern Design
Minimalism
Postmodern Design
Human Factors

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