After reading Papanek’s explanation of the six aspects of the function

complex, I decided to analyze an IKEA work lamp and see if it

successfully or unsuccessfully follows the function complex. I critiqued
the lamp design to see if it fell into all six parts of the function complex
— method, use, need, telesis, association, and aesthetics.

Papanek’s Function Complex refers to the idea that all objects,

including those designed for everyday use, should serve multiple
functions in order to maximize their value and reduce waste. The idea
behind the Papanek Function Complex is to encourage designers to
consider the multiple uses and functions of an object in order to create
products that are versatile, sustainable, and efficient.

IKEA is renowned for being transparent about its production process

and designs and creates simple, good-quality furniture. IKEA Tertial
work lamp is a desk lamp designed for a functional and modern
workspace. The lamp is made of metal and has an adjustable arm and
head, allowing you to direct light exactly where you need it. It has an
on/off switch on the cord and is also equipped with a built-in LED light
source, providing energy-efficient and long-lasting lighting.

The Tertial lamp has a sleek and minimalistic design, making it a great
addition to any workspace. The lamp is also adjustable and can be
easily positioned to suit user’s needs, whether they are reading,
working on the computer, or just need a little extra light in the
workspace.

1. Method: Papanek described how method include the honest use

of tools, materials and processes. The lamp is made primarily of
metal, which is a durable and long-lasting material that reduces
the need for frequent replacements. The use of metal also
minimizes the use of plastic, which is an unsustainable material
that takes hundreds of years to decompose. Additionally, the
lamp is designed to be easy to recycle, further demonstrating
IKEA's commitment to sustainability.

2. Use: Papanek explained how use can be meant as use as a tool,

use as communication, and even use as a symbol. The lamp is
designed with adjustability in mind, featuring a flexible arm and
adjustable head that allow for the light to be directed where it's
needed. This is a significant departure from traditional lamps
with fixed arms and heads, which often fail to provide adequate
lighting for tasks. The lamp's adjustability is a clear example of
form following function and a great demonstration of Papanek's
ideas.

3. Need: Papanek says we have needs for survival, identity, and goal
formation. The lamp design is a commitment to sustainable
development goals set by the united nations (building a better
workplace, healthier environment for users, using ecological
materials). It is easy to use, beneficial for health and the work
being done
4. Telesis: The telesis content of a design must reflect the times and
conditions that have given rise to it and must fit in with the
general human socioeconomic order in which it is to operate."
p.17. The lamp is following trends in design, and reflecting
peoples desire for simpler, laconic design, but still pleasant for
the eye.

5. Association: Uses the guise of innovation to repeat technology

and functions that have been applied anywhere and
everywhere. The design is fitting to many other objects. The
lamp may be used at work, or at home, or any other places.

6. Aesthetics: Papanek describes aesthetics as”personal

expression fraught with mystery.” The lamp's sleeek and
minimalist design is a far cry from the ornate and decorative
lamps of the past. This simplicity is not only aesthetically
pleasing, but it also makes the lamp easier to use and
maintain. The lamp's simple design is a great example of
Papanek's belief that form should follow function and that
design should prioritize usability over aesthetics The design of
a lamp follows modern trends like minimalism using a
achromatic color scheme and geometric shapes. The design of
the lamp is clean, adding to the green approach of the it.

In conclusion, the IKEA work lamp is a great example of

functional complexity in design. Its method, use, need,
toeless, association, and aesthetics all demonstrate a
commitment to Papanek's ideas and a departure from
traditional design principles that prioritize aesthetics over
function. The lamp is a perfect example of design for the real
world, and it is a testament to the importance of functional
complexity in design.