Function is the consideration of the main objective for a
piece of graphic work and how well a design is explored and executed to meet
that end.
Graphic
design is the unity of two opposing forces: artistic expression and practical
application. These two forces will always be at odds with each other in your
mind. When you can harness these two forces together in harmony then you can
create great visual communication.
When we
create a piece of graphic design more often than not there will be a specific
requirement that will have to be fulfilled. Depending on the complexity of the
task that could be one or many requirements. In design one typically gets that
requirement in the form of a brief from a client, either written or verbally.
Before a designer starts any piece of work there is key information that will
need to be understood. This will ensure that a designer is put in the best
position to produce the right creative solution.
A good
and thorough brief will include at least three key things:
·
An overview
·
Requirements
·
Intended Outcome
The Overview should introduce the idea of the project
and what exactly the design is intended for. The overview should clearly
highlight the target audience the client wishes to address with any other
relevant information which may be of importance.
The requirements will outline exactly what will be
needed creatively across print and digital media. This could be anything from a
printed poster, a brochure, to a website.
The intended outcome should clearly state what the
client hopes to achieve with the graphic work i.e. how he/she wants people to
respond to the work and how he/she wants people to think, feel or act.
A brief
may go as far as to suggest what is required visually, a particular style or
color scheme to be used or typeface. A brief may be creatively limiting or open
to exploration. A brief will set out all the challenges and boundaries a
designer will have to deal with in order to create the right solution. It will
be the details outlined in the brief that will influence the creative solution.
If a design fails to deliver on what the brief asks then it fails in its
function. This is where form versus function often comes into play.
For
beginners it is easily assumed that simplistic practical design might not be
good or interesting so form (how good something looks) may be seen as a
priority. However, in professional design it is understood that form follows
function and therefore priority should always be given to function over form
(how good something looks).
During research, development and design, one must always take into account the ‘function’ of the design.
One of
the most important things you can do is understand your audience and the
required goal. Considering language, color and layout will enable you to communicate
well and engage with a particular audience to encourage the intended result. As
a rule, you can always ask yourself the question: Why am I using that color?
Why am I using that typeface? Why am I arranging my elements in this way? Why
am I using these shapes, photos and so on? Is it adding anything to the piece
of design or is it distracting, misleading? Always ask yourself why and have a
good rationale for each decision.
In
design one should always try and avoid the appearance of having made arbitrary
decisions. If noticeable, this can devalue a piece of work. However, limited a
brief or however creative a brief, whatever is done, remember to keep in mind
the function and be sure it delivers on its function. A good designer will
always strive to achieve a harmony in beauty and function.
When
you look at design ask yourself, how well does it function? Does it get across
the intended message? Could it be more striking? How clear is the
message? And how clear is the design? Is there anything you would do to change
the design? And what impression does it make on you?
This is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Accordingly, it is difficult to figure out when to end it. But then, this is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Period.
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