How did Frog Design’s idea that form follows emotion differ from form follows function?

In the context of industrial design, the traditional Modernist dictum "form follows function" posits that a product's aesthetic character should be determined primarily by its practical utility, technical requirements, and structural needs. This approach emphasizes a clear outward expression of a building or object's purpose, often treating the design process as an analysis of how to best meet those functional demands.1

In contrast, Frog Design, founded by Hartmut Esslinger, championed the philosophy that "form follows emotion". This shift represents a move away from purely utilitarian expression toward the intentional communication of corporate or human sentiment.2

Rather than focusing solely on the mechanical fulfillment of a task, Frog Design utilized design elements—such as specific shapes, materials, and historical or cultural references—to evoke particular feelings or brand identities. For example, in their work for Lufthansa, the firm used curvilinear forms and historical aviation motifs to suggest protection and heritage, effectively prioritizing the emotional resonance of the environment over a strictly functionalist aesthetic.2