1. R541 Project 1
Form and Function
Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer
26 January 2014

2. Analysis Report
Form & Function: Part I

3. Object: Blanket
Purpose
• Insulate a body for warmth
• Decorate a living space
• Comfort a person
Image “Throw Blanket Comfort” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12140011033/

4. Blanket
Color: Off-white
Pattern: Solid
Shape: Rectangle
Dimensions: 66”L X 54”W
Category: Throw Blanket
Material
•
•
•
•
100% Polyester Fleece
Tight weave
One side 1/4” higher cut pile with “faux fur” feel
Other side short pile velveteen feel
Construction
•
•
•
•
•
Double ply
Folded edge
3” hem
Hem perimeter is only stitching
Mitered corners
Images “Throw Blanket 66 X 54” and “Blanket Form 2Sided” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
International License found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12144322264/ and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12140418066/ respectively

5. Functional Requirements
• Large enough to cover an adult body in a
seated/reclined position
• Thick enough to trap body heat
• Soft in touch when in direct contact with skin
• Aesthetically pleasing to the eye
• Durable enough for frequent laundering
• Presence supports a tranquil environment

6. Form and Function Matrix
Formal Characteristics
Functional Requirements
Synthesis
Off-white, solid color
Aesthetically pleasing to the eye
Lacking bright colors allows for complementing an
array of living space decor as well as helps create a
peaceful environment conducive for relaxing
without little distraction
Presence supports a tranquil environment
L66” X W54”, Rectangle shape
Large enough to cover an adult body in a
seated/reclined position
Based on the dimensions, the intended use would
adequately accommodate a body as large as an
average adult in a seated/reclining position
Polyester Fleece, Tight weave,
Double ply
Durable enough for frequent laundering
Given its size, material and construction, it is meant
for daily use up against the skin/clothing, so it
needs to be non-irritating to the skin, a thickness
capable of trapping body heat, a visual and sensual
quality where the user does not tire of it with
repeated use; it also has the potential to become
soiled often, such as if the user were consuming a
TV dinner on the lap, and would need to withstand
washings
Soft in touch when in contact with skin
Thick enough to trap body heat
Aesthetically pleasing to the eye
“Faux fur” & velveteen feel
Soft in touch when in contact with skin
Presence supports a tranquil environment
Only stitching is hem
Folded Edge, Mitered Corners
Aesthetically pleasing to the eye
Presence supports a tranquil environment
Durable enough for frequent laundering
The softness in the draping effect of the material
would signal to the user physical passivity and
relaxation versus activity and stimulation
Lack of excessive stitching allows it to be less rigid
and drape the user while maintaining the integrity
and beauty of the fabric; the care in the
construction of the edge and corners at closer look
may be appreciated by the user

7. Collection and Report Analysis
Form and Function: Part 2

8. Blanket A
Color: Black, white, gray
Pattern: Navajo horizontal stripe
Shape: Rectangle
Dimensions: 61”L X 26”W
Category: Western Saddle Blanket
Material
•
•
•
100% Acrylic
Tight weave
Stiff and coarse in feel
Construction
•
•
•
Single ply
Machine stitched
Short sides have ½” folded and stitched edge
Analysis
• Similarities with Original: Shape and Length
• Differences with Original: Color, Pattern, Width, Category, Material, Construction
Fulfillment of Functional Requirements: Although Blanket A is thick enough to trap body heat and durable enough
for frequent laundering, it’s dimensions (too narrow), material (too stiff/coarse), color and pattern (too dark and
bold) fail to meet the functional requirements of the original.
Image “Saddle Form” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12147406355/

9. Blanket B
Color: Navy, green, burgundy, gold
Pattern: Checkered
Shape: Rectangle
Dimensions: 68”L X 48”W
Category: Throw Blanket
Material
•
•
•
100% Wool
Medium tight weave
Scratchy and coarse in feel
Construction
•
•
•
Single ply
1 ½” twisted weave edges
No stitching
Analysis
• Similarities with Original: Shape, Dimensions, Category
• Differences with Original: Color, Pattern, Material, Construction
Fulfillment of Functional Requirements: Blanket B is large enough to cover and trap the body heat of an average
adult in a seated/reclined position; however, it’s material is not conducive to frequent laundering nor meant for
direct skin contact. It’s pattern is relatively simple, but may or may not serve a user’s aesthetic or assist in
cultivating a relaxing environment.
Image “Wool Form” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12147814644/

10. Blanket C
Color: Off-white
Pattern: Solid
Shape: Rectangle
Dimensions: 38”L X 28”W
Category: Baby Blanket
Material
•
•
•
100% Polyester fleece with satin trim
Tight weave
Dual sided 1/8” short cut pile with soft feel feel
Construction
•
•
•
•
Single ply
1 ½” satin weave edges
Machine stitched
Mitered corners
Analysis
• Similarities with Original: Color, Pattern, Shape, Material
• Differences with Original: Dimensions, Construction
Fulfillment of Functional Requirements: This blanket could serve as a miniature of the original for the array of
similarities between the two; however, this adult user of the blanket would have difficulty covering their body and
keeping warm due to the blanket’s smaller size. This might also impact the user’s ability to development a
peaceful environment.
Image “Baby Form” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12147813424/

11. Blanket D
Color: Multi primary with blue background
Pattern: Bus/Car motif
Shape: Rectangle
Dimensions: 58”L X 46”W
Category: Tie Blanket
Material
•
•
•
•
100% Polyester fleece
Thin, no pile
Tight weave
Soft to the touch
Construction
•
•
•
Double ply
Knotted edges with 2” ends
Handmade
Analysis
• Similarities with Original: Shape, Material
• Differences with Original: Color, Pattern, Dimensions, Category, Construction
Fulfillment of Functional Requirements: This blanket is likely big enough to cover an adult body, but judging from
the color and pattern, it is designed for a child’s use. The functional requirements of aesthetics for an adult and a
child would like not be the same and the busy pattern would distract the user from cultivating a relaxing
atmosphere.
Image “Child Form” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12147808754/

12. Blanket E
Color: Dark red, navy, sand
Pattern: Handkerchief, Horsehead profile
Western scene with cowboys, Stripes, Stars
Shape: Square
Dimensions: 39”L X 39”W
Category: Baby Quilt
Material
•
•
•
Cotton polyester blend with polyester batting
Tight weave
Smooth and soft to the touch
Construction
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Double ply fabric with batting
2x2” and 6X6” quilted squares
Straight and zig-zag batting stitch
Folded edges
Straight corners
Homemade
Machine stitched
Analysis
• Similarities with Original: Soft
• Differences with Original: Color, Pattern, Shape, Dimensions, Category, Material, Construction
Fulfillment of Functional Requirements: Although there are few similarities, this blanket is thick enough to trap
body heat, but it’s small size would not cover an adult body in a seated or reclined position. Additionally, the
homemade characteristic of the blanket may lend itself to function more as an heirloom and the user may choose
not to use the blanket as a blanket, but as a wall hanging or keepsake instead.
Image “Cowboy Quilt Form” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12148071956/

13. Blanket F
Color: Multi
Pattern: Star Wars, Various Flowers,
Grass, Yellow and white solids
Shape: Rectangle
Dimensions: 85”L X 72”W
Category: Queen Size Quilt
Material
•
•
•
Cotton polyester blend with cotton batting
Recycled sheets with Tight weave
Smooth and soft to the touch
Construction
•
•
•
•
•
Double ply fabric with batting
2x2” and 6X6” quilted squares
Single, hand-tied batting stitch in each square
Folded edges and Straight corners
Homemade and Machine and hand stitching
Analysis
• Similarities with Original: Shape
• Differences with Original: Color, Pattern, Dimensions, Category, Material, Construction
Fulfillment of Functional Requirements: This blanket is thick and large enough to cover and trap the body heat of
an adult, but the mismatched nature of the pattern would likely detract from any living space aesthetic. Like the
previous blanket, the homemade characteristic may force it to the “bottom of the cedar chest” as a memento of
family. Frequent laundering might also take its toll on the Blanket F as well given its hand stitching.
Image “Star Wars Quilt” created by Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and used with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/101327448@N02/12151425075/

14. Conclusion
I chose the blanket form because I’m fascinated with how my 3-year-old
daughter interacts with her “blank,” the featured Original Form in this project.
If she could articulate it, I believe the list of blanket’s functional requirements
would also include:
• Large enough to encapsulate a couch cushion fort
• Wide enough to tie ‘round the neck for a super hero cape
• Substitute for mommy’s when I’m hurt
In reflection, I’ve realized the emotional connection humans make with forms
because of their function is astounding, such as that sinking feeling one
experiences arriving at a destination sans cell phone or wallet. In those instances,
the lack of form may render the user functionless!
In this context, Lipton’s (2007) statement about perception principles carry
greater meaning when applied to the fundamental design principle illustrated in
this project: “Create and arrange elements…in line with inherent human
behavior” (p. 451). This is the keystone in the arch of instructional design.
Lipton, R. (2007). The practical guide to information design. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [Kindle edition]