Ever think about design?  I do-- all the time.  I like design-- part of what this site is about is quality living.  Quality, to me, also includes well designed products.

Let's define our terms.  Quality can be defined by form and function.  Form is the physical size, shape, color, texture, and look of an object.  The function is what it does and how it does the "it" that it does.

The form is the sexier part of the design.  It is the "nice to have".   The function is critical, the object has to do what it is designed to do-- it can do it good or poorly.  The thing is it is the "must have".  As an example, Apple Computer makes beautiful, attractive computers that reportedly function pretty well too.  The thing is that attractive design comes with a premium (not always frugal)-- Apple computers cost more than your average computer.

As a frugal individual, I value functionally first and foremost, but once past that, I look for the form.  I then try to balance the form and the value for my money-- meaning I don't like paying too much premium for the form part.  One has to ask, does the plumber's friend (the toilet plunger) need to look good or just work well?  Especially considering it is out of sight when not in use.

Personally, I like simple, streamlined design with an emphasis on light and compact (I Hate to Carry Things).  I am a big fan of art deco inspired design, but can mix in some art nouveau . . . I especially like arts and crafts or craftsman era design.  I plan a future post on some of my favorite and least favorite product designs.

Just because I look for quality and value for my money, it doesn't mean I don't crave and seek good design . . .

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Related posts:
Do You Buy Features or Benefits?
Quality and Value
A Simple Approach to Purchase Decisions
Another Look: What If We Had Less, But Better?
Quality of Life . . .