Utility

We often regard the things around us in terms of their usefulness. When objects are built/created for utility, they are designed to serve a need or to perform a certain task–and to do it well.

When “form follows function,” the utility of a building or tool is primary over its aesthetic quality. But when function replaces form, what we get is bland design: things that look boxy, rectangular, basic, but simple.

When something is reduced entirely to its function, then color, style, mood, tone, etc., are irrelevant in terms of what it’s supposed to do. As a result, we regard that object like we would a kitchen utensil. It’s not designed to inspire, not something that is supposed to have character, originality or distinction.

Utility is all fine and good if simplicity and uniformity were all that we were after. But we seek more from life. We want new experiences, and we want to improve and enhance the quality of our life. And when it comes to the utility of the things we own, their value not only comes from their usefulness or longevity, but in how they inspire us, elicit ideas, or evoke emotions.