As forever a student and practitioner of design, I've come to realize that there are certain progressions in understanding and utilizing form. There are levels of understanding of form, but primarily two principles: Form as derived by function (literal, metaphorical), Form as derived by intuition (sense, feeling)
In both cases process is critical.
In both cases the end result is "something".
Level 1: "What does the form do?"
Whereas both have their merits, I believe its necessary to first, understand why form is the way it is. Understand the logic, function and rational of form. When you understand this, they you can apply it to ANY application. The key point is understanding "what generates form". (An idea, process, material, system, necessity, environment?...what?)This is convergent mindset, "this form does this function(s)".
Level 2: "What can the form do?"
Instead of directing the form, this listens to the form. It allows for multiple solutions and stretches the capacity of the existing. In this case, the question is not what does the form do, but what can the form do? This looks at a form and allows it to become ANY application. This is divergent mindset, "this form can adapt to the function(s)".
Which one is right? Which is wrong?
Both are valid, both have strengths, both have weaknesses.
What's right or wrong? Well, that's based on the criteria you use judge it, which ironically, is independent of the object itself.
The order of understanding is irrelevant,
but what is important is their understanding.
One eventually leads to the other.
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