Aesthetics as a Tool to Inspire Function: Why Good Design Should Make You Feel Something

This article was inspired by an arguably “mean” tweet I saw recently:

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“Designers that place function over everything are my least favorite type of designers. No heart, no soul, never creating anything truly inspiring or interesting. What a waste.”

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Let’s ignore the strong and borderline insulting tone he’s used to pass the message for a second. He’s right about that—form over function—being the present reality of user experience design and it is something I am guilty of as well—for many reasons.

We live in a world where functionality is often king, but the question is, does it really have to come at the expense of creativity, personality, and dare I say… a little heart and soul?

While doing further digging and trying to decide on where I stand after reading that tweet, I found this quote by an OG graphic designer and typographer, Wolfgang Weingart.

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“What’s the use of legible when nothing inspires you to take notice of it?” — Wolfgang Weingart

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Damn! Another great thought-provoking question that made me question how I approach design. Because really, if your design functions flawlessly but lacks the spark that makes someone care, what’s the point? Seeing as I claim to be “an advocate of the users” and I’m trying to make sure I design the best experience possible for them.

This then made me enter a rabbit-hole of trying to look at the historic references of this topic in other industries.

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The Early Days of car manufacturing: Function Over Form

In the early years of the automotive industry, particularly during the 1910s, cars were mostly utilitarian objects, valued for their function as they were much more effective when compared to the other forms of transportation. Henry Ford’s Model T, introduced in 1908, emphasized this approach. Ford famously said, “You can have any color, so long as it’s black.” And this made a lot of sense especially considering that it wasn’t just a marketing gimmick; it was a decision rooted in practicality. Black paint dried faster, which was crucial for speeding up production on the assembly line, making cars more affordable. It was also the most popular color because it didn’t show dirt and it was easy to keep clean. Yadi yadi yada…functionality.

By the 1920s, the automotive market was becoming increasingly competitive, and manufacturers began to realize that cars could be more than just functional machines; they could also be symbols of personal expression and status. There was also the broader cultural changes with the rise of consumerism and the influence of the advertising industry. All that meant that aesthetics had to become an important subject.

This seemingly simple move to introduce multiple colors in car manufacturing then became a strategic move by companies like GM to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Advancements in paint technology also helped the cause alongside a deeper understanding of consumer desires.

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The Apple-ification of Design: The dance of Form and Function

Now, let’s think about phone companies like Apple, and Nothing (yes, the phone people, ironically named). They aren’t just selling us products or services; they’re giving us experiences. These companies represents an approach to experience design that screams “Hey, why not both?” They’ve mastered the marriage of functionality and aesthetics, showing us that these two elements don’t need to exist in isolation. Apple, for instance, could have designed the iPhone to be just another black brick, but they didn’t. Every curve, every material, and even the click of the button is designed to make you feel something. When you hold an iPhone, you’re not just using a product, you’re engaging with an experience that is beautiful and intuitive.

Even the Nothing Phone has turned heads by being unapologetically sleek and different, pushing the boundaries of design while still delivering the tech goods. These companies put the craft of design first, not because it’s frivolous, but because it’s essential to making people care.

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Function’s Fun Cousin: How Aesthetics Inspire Action

It’s easy to fall into the trap of prioritizing function at the expense of aesthetics. The rationale usually goes like this: “If it works, that’s all that matters.” But how often have you come across something perfectly functional that just didn’t inspire you to engage with it? Imagine a website that works flawlessly but feels like you’ve been transported back to 1999. You’d rather gouge your eyes out with Comic Sans than spend another second there. So yes, it’s legible, it’s functional, but who cares?

This is where aesthetics become a tool for function, not its enemy. When something is visually compelling, it draws you in. It piques your curiosity, it invites you to explore. Good aesthetics primes us to discover the functionality, just like a perfectly plated dish makes your taste buds tingle before the first bite.

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Applying This to UX Design: Designing emotion

So how does this apply to us as UX designers? We’re not selling shiny smartphones or tech-chic earbuds, but we are shaping how users interact with digital products. If we neglect aesthetics, we’re missing a massive opportunity to engage users on an emotional level, to show them why they should care.

These are some steps I think designers can take to make sure our work hits that sweet spot between form and function:

1. Start with Storytelling, Not Wireframes

Every design should start with a story. Think about the emotional journey you want your users to take. What do you want them to feel? Whether it’s delight, relief, or confidence, let that feeling guide your design choices before diving into the technical nitty-gritty. Storytelling helps ensure that your design has a narrative arc — one that’s visually engaging and functional.

2. Prioritize Emotion in Your Design Process

Design is inherently emotional. Before deciding on a design direction, ask yourself: “What emotion do we want to evoke? Fun? Trust? Curiosity?” Then use colors, typography, and space strategically to amplify those feelings. Instead of just designing “for usability,” also design “for the feels.”

3. Balance Consistency with Surprise

Consistency is key in design, sure, but don’t shy away from adding elements of surprise—I call them “easter eggs.” A quirky micro-interaction, a subtle animation, or a playful illustration can bring an unexpected smile to a user’s face. These moments make users pause and appreciate the craft that went into the design.

4. Form and Function are Dance Partners, Not Competitors

Instead of pitting aesthetics and functionality against each other like they’re in some kind of design battle, think of them as dance partners. When they move in sync, magic happens. That means every decision about color, layout, and type should support — not compete with — the overall usability of your design.

5. Embrace Iteration as Play, Not a Chore

Designers often don’t have the luxury of getting things right on the first try (spoiler: no one really does). But iteration shouldn’t feel like a burden. Instead, treat each new version as a chance to refine the aesthetic appeal without sacrificing functionality. Treat your design process like sculpting — each iteration reveals something more polished and beautiful.

6. Celebrate the Craft

Finally, create a team culture that celebrates the craft of design. Don’t reduce design critiques to checklists of “does this work?” Instead, ask “does this make you feel anything?” Show appreciation for the small details and the artistry behind each design choice. If you foster this culture, your team will naturally create designs that are not only functional but also inspiring.

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The Functionality of Feeling

When you hear the word “aesthetics,” most people immediately dismiss it as superficial or an afterthought. But here’s the twist: aesthetics are a tool to inspire function. Remember Dieter Rams’ third principle of Good Design — Good design is aesthetic. Function and aesthetics are intertwined, and when done right, they feed off each other in a beautiful loop.

So yes, it’s possible to have it all. It’s possible to create something legible and functional that also inspires people to take notice. When form and function work together, you’re not just building a product — you’re creating an experience that’s worth remembering.

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Written by Ayo Aluko