How to build up Form Sensitivity?

Kajol Kumari • March 28, 2022 • 6 mins read


"Color is sensitivity in material form, a substance in its purest form"

-Yves Klein (French Artist)


If you are reading this, chances are that you are a design aspirant or a tech enthusiast aiming to learn about form sensitivity. This article aims to give you a deep understanding of the role of form sensitivity in the design process. 


What exactly do you mean by "Form Sensitivity" and how does one achieve it in his/her design? Why is it important to build a functional product than the aesthetic one? Why does a product sketch go through the process of multiple iterations? How does this article help me in clearing CEED/UCEED and NID exams? 


Form Sensitivity is defined as the knowledge about the form/shape of the given product. How well you can grasp the attributes in a product and be able, to design according to the given question. Let us understand this with the help of an example. 


CEED 2022, PART-B, Question Number 4

Three views of a building were given in the question. Moreover, we were asked to draw an electric iron inspired by its design. 

In design language, this process is called "Metamorphosis" which means designing through a progressive metamorphosis from a natural element to an existing product design. For example, a chair from the physical attributes of a snail. 

In this question, what can be our approach? 



Firstly, we need to observe the form, shape and patterns in this building by Zaha Hadid. Secondly, we must know how an electric iron looks in general.



Building designed by Zaha Hadid

Now, proceeding ahead... ask yourself five questions before attempting this question:

  1. What can be the original form and how can I implement it in my design?
  2. Whether it should be functional or aesthetically pleasing or both?
  3. How can I make my product elegant and simple?
  4. How will the users react to my product? 
  5. Is this product ergonomically viable?

By asking these questions, you will get clarity of thought and without any obstruction, you can start your sketches. 


It is very necessary to have a clear vision while drawing any product. One of the most important phases of any product is that it will go through multiple iterations to correct the small errors that occurred while prototyping. Moreover, your product must be functional more than aesthetically pleasing because it should work when the time arrives.

Try to incorporate qualities such as elegance, simplicity in your design. 


Hope this article helped you understand "Form Sensitivity". 

Do write to us in the comment section about your approach to this question. Until then, keep sketching! :) 



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Kaphal Studio is a modern, internet university for creators that brings community and learning together. We aim to prepare designers for the startup economy. We offer a new approach to online education through synchronous cohorts with an emphasis on peer-to-peer learning.