Chapter 1 Technology: Form, Function, Value
Major Topics
Human-made technology changes in the physical world and is intended to accomplish a specific function or purpose.
Technological functions are achieved through their physical embodiment or form.
The value or utility of technology is determined by the end users who establish requirements on the function and form of the technology.
Chapter 1 Overview
Technology changes the physical conditions in which people live. Technology is created for a specific purpose or utility, causing changes in the physical environment.
The concepts of form and function offer a perspective for interpreting physical objects.
Form describes the material properties and physical characteristics of an object.
Function refers to what an object does or can do.
Form is independent of any particular use or application of the object. Some aspects of form can be modified or altered.
Form properties such as shape or color facilitate recognition of specific objects. Function describes the role, utility, task, or service that the object can fulfill in a situation or circumstance.
Function describes what a particular object does or can do in interaction with other objects. Function, what a particular object can do, is determined by the form or the physical properties and characteristics of that object.
Function is initially an abstract idea given physical implementation through form. A particular form can have multiple functions.
A specific function can be accomplished by multiple forms.
Verb-noun pairs can be used to express function.
Technology is often characterized as existing to solve problems. The function of a technological object can be considered as describing the nature of the problem solved.
Technology is typically not created by the end users of that technology. Technology is developed to meet the needs of the end customers as characterized through design requirements. Requirements that describe what the technology is expected to do address function. Other types of requirements impose expectations on physical characteristics or form.
Chapter 1 Abstract
1. Technology: Form, Function, Value
Technology changes the physical conditions in which people live. Technology is created for a specific purpose or utility, causing changes in the physical environment. The concepts of form and function offer a perspective to interpret physical objects. Form describes the material properties and physical parameters of an object. Function refers to what object does or can do. Form is independent of any particular use or application of the object. Some aspects of form can be modified or altered. Form properties such as shape or color facilitate recognition of specific objects. Function describes the role, utility, task, or service that the object can fulfill in a situation or circumstance. Function describes what a particular object does or can do in interaction with other objects. Function, what a particular object can do, is determined by the form or the physical properties and characteristics of that object. Function is initially an abstract idea given physical implementation through form. A particular form can have multiple functions. A specific function can be accomplished by multiple forms. Verb-noun pairs can be used to express function. Technology is often characterized as existing to solve problems. The function of a technological object can be considered as describing the nature of the problem solved. Technology is typically not created by the end users of that technology. Technology is developed to meet the needs of the end customers as characterized through design requirements. Requirements that describe what the technology is expected to do address function. Other types of requirements impose expectations on physical characteristics or form.