19 Objects That Win for Form or Function (Not Both)
Ameland letter opener
“A sensual, twisted strip of stainless steel with blade edges on either end. They're way too dull, and a letter is easily opened by hand.”—Jonas Damon, executive creative director, Frog Design
Samsung remote control
“We are deeply into a golden age of TV. Yet the remote is the most vexing of all design objects: Its buttons have no tactile hierarchy, and it's black, so you can never find it in your couch cushions.”—Allan Chochinov, chair of MFA in Products of Design at the School of Visual Arts
Stelton vacuum jug
“It's always fun to manage pouring it without the patented magnetic rocker stopper falling into the cup.”—Jürgen Mayer H., architect
Karuselli chair
“This chair by Yrjö Kukkapuro is often cited as the most comfortable chair in existence. It is uncompromising in its appearance, because function—ergonomics, new materials, and production methods—was prioritized. That doesn't mean it's ugly.”—Ilse Crawford, interior designer
Jawbone Mini Jambox
“I love the iconic rectangle and brilliant colors. As you get closer, the reflective patterns and texture deepen your curiosity, which turns into desire.”—Danny Kim, founder, Lit Motors
Exit sign
“They effectively guide people to safety when there's an emergency. However, they're unavoidable in most public buildings, and their ever-present red glow is rarely part of design intent.”—David Rockwell, founder, Rockwell Group
Superleggera chair, No. 699
“Gio Ponti's design is the most beautiful chair ever made—and totally uncomfortable. It's fine if you think sitting on a chair is the same as sitting on a stool.”—Jay Osgerby, co-principal, Barber & Osgerby
Vitamix
“The blender holds hallowed ground on our counter. It's more utilitarian than chic.”—Kelly Wearstler, interior designer
American Apparel T-shirts
“Let's discuss surplus beauty. Do we need to have a shirt in every available color? No. Is it nice to have the option? Yes.”—Jonathan Olivares, industrial designer
Neolithic flint ax
“I'm lucky enough to have one at my home. Every now and then I hold it in one hand and my mobile telephone in the other. The phone is obviously pretty, while the stone could be mistaken for a random rock. But they each were born with the same amount of enthusiasm, care, and complexity.”—Craig Dykers, founding partner, Snøhetta
Juicy Salif
“Philippe Starck's juicer has a very strong animated quality, but it scratches against the kitchen counter, and the pulp can't be filtered from your OJ.”—Gadi Amit, president, New Deal Designs
Ro/Lu Uncertain Surface table
“Perfectly functional in some ways and completely useless in others, hence the title. Your cup of coffee would be at your feet. That's why I like it.”—Patrick Parrish, founder, Patrick Parrish gallery
Brita pitcher
“Affordable, clean, plastic-bottle-free water with a simple pop-in filter—who can argue with that? Yet people still drink bottled water, because companies made it sexy.”—Aric Chen, design curator, M+ museum
Geberit wall-mounted flush panel
“It has elegant, clean lines, but also a habit of sticking in the flush position, undermining the concept of low-flow toilets.”—Gordon Gill, architect
Flos Lampadina
“The function becomes the aesthetic. This is the beauty of the piece.”—Marc Benda, co-founder, Friedman Benda gallery
Ikea watering can
“Looks good, but it's so open at the top that it often spills when carrying.”—Justin Rosenstein, co-founder, Asana
Gillette razor
“The only alien horror design thing in our homes has to be these awful freaky glowing laser razors. They work so well that we allow them to break every design value we diligently maintain.”—Stephen Alesch and Robin Standefer, co-principals, Roman & Williams
Umbrella
“Invented over 3,000 years ago, their function in blocking rain or sun is necessary, but the form is evil—turning inside out, blowing away, or skewering eyeballs just when one needs them the most.”—Andrew Hessel, distinguished research scientist, Autodesk
3M Post-it notes
“Fulfills its function efficiently by being sticky but not too sticky to remove from surfaces, yet it isn't particularly appealing, especially in its original shade of pallid yellow.”—Alice Rawsthorn, author of Hello World: Where Design Meets Life