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When I was young, all we ever heard about was…

“When I was young, all we ever heard about was functionalism, functionalism, functionalism. It’s not enough. Design should also be sensual and exciting.” quote by Ettore Sottsass
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“When I was young, all we ever heard about was functionalism, functionalism, functionalism. It’s not enough. Design should also be sensual and exciting.”

Ettore Sottsass

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker argues that design education overemphasizes functionalism, neglecting sensual and exciting aspects that engage users emotionally.

In simple terms: Design should balance function with sensory appeal.

Key Takeaway

Add sensuality to functional design.

Themes

design functionality sensuality excitement education creativity

Mood

inspirational thoughtful

Type

philosophical creative

When to use this quote

  • product design
  • architecture
  • digital interfaces
  • educational curricula

Key Concepts

Functionalism aesthetic experience user engagement design theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can designers integrate pleasure without sacrificing utility?
  • What role does emotion play in effective design?
A Different Perspective

Pure functionality can lead to bland, uninspiring outcomes.

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