Ryan Singer: Products Are Functions

The useful thing about defining good design as a form-context fit is that it tells you where you will find the form. The form is in the context.

To find a good relationship, you do not start by saying, “I want a relationship that looks like this”—that would be starting in the wrong end, by defining form. Instead you say, “I’m just going to pay atten... See more

Behaviors/dynamics can be discussed and analyzed as discrete "objects" under your control. Design discussions should often be taking place at the level of the dynamic rather than the level of the functionality. Identify what behavior you want to change first, then piece together the necessary functionality that you believe will enable that behavior... See more

This isn’t just philosophical woo woo stuff—it’s practical. Because products are not neutral. They are opinions embedded in pixels – every button, every default—says something about what we believe people are for. About who our customers can become.