Giving ‘Form’ to a Product

In Lecture 2 we learned that there are 3 nodes that influence the aesthetics or forms of product designs- function, human factors and emotion.

To help illustrate this, I have found 3 product designs that have a dominance of each of the factors.


The Sweeper & Dustpan by Jan Kochanski is an example of a function-dominant product. It is a simple and easy to use product, as it is more convenient for users to empty the dustpan by using the dustpan handle as a funnel. The handle of the sweeper also fits perfectly into the handle of the dustpan, which allows the product to be kept neatly and at the same time minimise the space used to keep it.


A ‘smart’ spoon has been designed by LiftLabs, a San Francisco based company and this is one example of a human factor-dominant product. It was made solely for patients with Parkinson’s disease, and it has a function in the spoon to counter the vibrating motion of the patient’s hands when they are eating.


Lastly, Cacti Coasters by Clive Roddy is an example of an emotion-dominant product. Although one creative way to store the coasters is by interlocking and stacking them up, its purpose is only for cups to rest on it, and prevent your tables from getting dirty. However this fun and interactive way of keeping them brings out curiosity in the user, therefore it is an emotion-dominant product.

Naoto Fukasawa: An Industrial Designer

Naoto Fukasawa

A Japanese industrial designer, his designs are simple, easy to use and minimalistic, much like how I believe that good products should be. Some of his many notable designs include kitchen appliances (specifically toaster, kettle, rice cooker and CD player) for Muji, a Japanese retail company.

One of his Muji designs that I like is the kettle.

The shape of his kettle is simple and rounded, and it is both easy to use and convenient. It is designed to be able to coil and keep the electrical wire under the base of the kettle and you’re able to use the plug by just simply pulling the wire without the trouble of uncoiling the wire.