"Form Follows Function"...

You may have heard the phrase and never given it a second thought.  It's a nice little sound bite that doesn't sound like it means much- which is why it's used in many forms of advertisment.  In fact, you probably heard it used most often in an ad- like a commercial for a auto manufacturer.  So, what does it mean?...and why am I writing about it on a Web Development website?

"Form Follows Function" means that the way something operates really defines the shape it takes.  It DOES NOT mean, as many would tell you, that Form is less important than Function.  Take the use of this phrase in auto manufacturer's ads.  The need of the consumer to have a large, powerful vehicle that can carry a lot of stuff has defined what a "Pick-up Truck" looks like.  The function of the vehicle has defined its form.  There have been many modifications over the years to the form but the basic shape- as defined by what it is designed to DO- has remained the same.

The same applies to websites.  What you need the site to DO should define, in no small amount, how it looks.  Yes, there is still a lot of room for creativity and flair of design... but a site that is DRIVEN by its Form and not by its Function is poorly designed and likely to produce unsatisfactory results.