The phrase "function dictates form" is a variation of the design principle "form follows function." This principle of architectural design emphasises that the way something looks should be determined by its use rather than aesthetic considerations.

In a broader sense, "function dictates form" means that the design of an object or system should be based upon its intended function or purpose. For example, the thin flap of your eyelid is designed to snap down quickly to clear away dust particles and then slide back up almost instantaneously to allow you to see again, illustrating how its structure is directly related to its function.

This concept can be applied to various fields, from architecture to biology, indicating that the form of something is optimised for the function it is supposed to perform. It's a principle that encourages efficiency and practicality in design.

In this episode we discuss how this principle was used to determine the most plausible, functional essence of karate kata.

Blog: Kodoryu Karate and Kobudo