Allen Design Philosophy
Form/Function
What something does often determines what something is. It is said that everything designed contains the elements of Form and Function. A successful design product has the ideal balance between the two; accomplishing a given purpose in the best way.
Form and Function also exist as design philosophies, and like most things philosophic, there are polarities in definitions, methods and results. At its most extreme, it becomes a battle between Formals and Functionals, of style against substance. Functionals favor things that Just Work; Formals appreciate things that Look Good.
For years, designers fought this battle against clients, each other and themselves. In modern design, there is a reconciliation of the two. Now, the most sucessful designs, products, services and companies are those that utilize the ideal ratio of Form and Function.
What does this mean to Allen Design? In web design, this means creating a presentation with a balance of information and asthetics. In software design, it means favoring a smaller number of requisite functions over a larger number of less-significant features. In both cases, the result is improved usability. It does more, better and easier.