Form vs function. Which is most important?

Contributor: Elaira Elaira 05/17/2011

I worn in a sex toy shop so I spend a lot of time looking at all the toys out there. One thing that attracts my attention to some is the overall design of it. I really don't like obnoxious looking ones that we have like the "Sex Sword" or "Vibesicle" because I prefer much more designer form, like LELO, Evolved and JimmyJane. Is anyone else out there as much as a design snob as I am?

Invited: All users.

Discussion Topics

1.
Contributor: Elaira Elaira
Do you prefer an attractive design or is function your main concern?
Answers (public voting - your screen name will appear in the results):
Jimbo Jones , kelaaa33wish , padmeamidala , zizfaye , cujo467 , liilii080 , ybe1986 , GravyCakes , Tori Rebel , CuteDee , lolsos , The Curious Couple , pinkcupcakes , tickle me pink , Akira , sarki , newfoundlust , VampKitten , Reyes , charcat , cobiffle , Lady Marmelade , CoffeeCup , Jenimi , ThoughtsAblaze , The-IT-Guy-And-My-Secretary , slynch , Jenyana , ToyBoy , DiscretionAdvised , eeep , Moein , Yoda , geliebt , WildeKnight , eroticmutt , GONE! , Do emu , JessCee , jmex83 , MamaDivine , louise83
42  (18%)
Ms. Spice , Lio , Coralbell , Gunsmoke , tim1724 , Rin (aka Nire) , MaryExy , Adriana Ravenlust , A Closet Slut (aka nipplepeople) , lovemuscle n cookie , toxie m , deletedacct , Sex'и'Violence , married with children , BabyL0ve , Lady Venus , P'Gell , Waterfall , dv8 , OhMy! , CAKES , ZenaidaMacroura , DTV88 , Dude404 , K101 , Destri , NarcissisticLust , Howells , Liz2 , ironmouse , Cream in the Cupcake , Jackol , Karen Affeldt , kjkitty , darthkitt3n , indiglo , daniel and frances , ichigostrawberry , purple579 , She's Got The Jack , Elaira , Lummox , DCorrelle , Inwitari , potstickers , SiNn , Steve of Eden , dezzydezire , boobookittyfuk , lzbncrckhead , Envy , AnyBariz , lanky , Eucaly , Rossie , jay28 , sasweetheart89 , Miss Anonymous , Kim! , dudemeister , PiratePrincess , alliegator , Ava5 , Kkay , Eva Schwaltz , Beck , wetone123 , thebest , EJ , daveysgirl , brainyspecs , Breas , TameTemptress , ellejay , Clandestine , LM , LQ , Jon S , mpfm , Stagger13 , ily , Mistress Jezebel , unfulfilled , Rarity , DeliciousSurprise , null , Diabolical Kitty , Mihoshi4301 , LavenderSkies , jacki , AMTTT , Bignuf , -BillD , Cherrylane , Kendrir , 12345678 , Selective Sensualist , Stinkytofu10 , Dear Ruby , pleasurehunter , Maxx , BlooJay , JewelsAndB , HomuHomu , voenne , T&A1987 , jedent , Ice1 , xyrella , aimtoplease , giftdgecko , HannahPanda , Sublime , Khoo , Rawhide , TheHardOne , RavenWolf88 , eak59 , Dr Anal , switzerland , Jammin14580 , Gimme More , LoveDove , Greenleaf , Piña Colada , AshMegYo , PeaceToTheMiddleEast , ninja250 , ksparkles16 , petname , Missmarc , BiJess , Curiouscat , A.Mari , aliceinthehole , Nazaress , Master DarkWolf , DreamWolf , MissCandyland , curious kitten , roskat , sweetpea12 , Girly Juice , gsfanatic , VelvetDragon , panda555 , Rockasaurus , Passion plum , Ms. N , kitty1949 , sexxxkitten , SecretKinksters , dhig , xilliannax , Velocity , Lildrummrgurl7 , ToyGeek , Anne , ghalik , iabicpl09 , KRD , AlianneCimorene , skeeterlynn , animepanda89 , xOhxSoxScandalousx , BurntToast , Katelyn , Ivy Wilde , LaSchwartz , elli , pokefan15 , J5ive , collifornia , icyqueen , Husband and Wife , Raymaker , TheToyGuy , Lena Eden
178  (77%)
RonLee , Ghost , Seth912 , cheetahpita , tlaskowski , MeliPixie , CrystaCat , Fun with Dick & Jane , Sundae Sparkles , chantalgiardina , heather-mooney , merc41
12  (5%)
Total votes: 232
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05/17/2011
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Contributor: zizfaye zizfaye
Form is nice but if it doesn't do it's job it doesn't matter how attractive it is!
05/17/2011
Contributor: Ms. Spice Ms. Spice
Quote:
Originally posted by Elaira
Do you prefer an attractive design or is function your main concern?
they have to have both.
05/17/2011
Contributor: Gunsmoke Gunsmoke
Quote:
Originally posted by Ms. Spice
they have to have both.
Agreed - looks attract they eye - function will entice me to try something.
05/17/2011
Contributor: Maeby Maeby
Well, form is so often related to function.
05/17/2011
Contributor: liilii080 liilii080
Quote:
Originally posted by zizfaye
Form is nice but if it doesn't do it's job it doesn't matter how attractive it is!
I agree with this. I love a nice looking toy but at the end of the day, how it performs is more important.
05/17/2011
Contributor: tim1724 tim1724
A nice design won't save a toy which fails to function well. But an ugly design can make me less likely to want to use a toy which otherwise works great.
05/17/2011
Contributor: CuteDee CuteDee
Toys are toys but sometimes I do buy off EF based on looks... then hope for the best when it arrives!!
05/17/2011
Contributor: Rin (aka Nire) Rin (aka Nire)
I find that a nice appearance will get my attention, and then I look at the functions to see if it's worth a shot. So, in a way, looks are important to get me interested. If I could only have one, though, I'd pick function. There's only a few toy's I'd want just for looks - generally ones that could pass for a sculpture or something.
05/17/2011
Contributor: The Curious Couple The Curious Couple
Function over design for sure!
05/17/2011
Contributor: married with children married with children
Function would be my first pick. What good is a toy if it only looks good.
05/18/2011
Contributor: tickle me pink tickle me pink
Function is the first thing I look for. If there are a few that seem to work about the same then I start thinking about the design, color, etc.
05/18/2011
Contributor: Lady Venus Lady Venus
Both are important to me. I'm especially a sucker for things that are cute, or different.
05/18/2011
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
I adore beautiful toys with flowing lines, but they have to work for me to really adore them.

One of my favorite toys, however, is one that many consider ugly. Taffy Tickler G Spot
05/18/2011
Contributor: Rin (aka Nire) Rin (aka Nire)
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
I adore beautiful toys with flowing lines, but they have to work for me to really adore them.

One of my favorite toys, however, is one that many consider ugly. Taffy Tickler G Spot ... more
Not so much ugly as like a large, angry caterpillar. But hey, whatever works for you, right?
05/18/2011
Contributor: CAKES CAKES
Quote:
Originally posted by Elaira
Do you prefer an attractive design or is function your main concern?
Function is more important, but I wouldn't want an ugly toy!
05/18/2011
Contributor: sarki sarki
As long as it gets the job done
05/18/2011
Contributor: DTV88 DTV88
as long as it works well
05/20/2011
Contributor: K101 K101
Both are important, but they way it works, the size & how well it would fit my preferences are my top priorities. I do like pretty colors, but it's not a must. All of mine have been optional color where I could choose between several colors and I've always been happy with the colors, but not always happy with the toy itself.
05/22/2011
Contributor: Destri Destri
I think function is the most important part of any toy. Having said that, if it looks butt-ugly then that is going to be a problem.
05/22/2011
Contributor: NarcissisticLust NarcissisticLust
I really need a good balance. Attractive toys can make up for minor flaws what they gain in appearance however I have NO qualms using my Wahl even though it isn't stylish.
05/22/2011
Contributor: Liz2 Liz2
I like cute sexy toys but they have to work for me. I have a very sexy looking rabbit but it does next to nothing for me but sure is cute..
05/23/2011
Contributor: Elaira Elaira
I love form so JimmyJane, LELO and Evolved are all my favorites and have a reputation of making quality products.
05/23/2011
Contributor: newfoundlust newfoundlust
Quote:
Originally posted by Elaira
Do you prefer an attractive design or is function your main concern?
Doesn't matter what it looks like if it doesn't do its job, to get my wife off.
05/23/2011
Contributor: SexyLilPixi SexyLilPixi
Quote:
Originally posted by zizfaye
Form is nice but if it doesn't do it's job it doesn't matter how attractive it is!
While I can say I'm definitely becoming somewhat of a design snob, I have to agree with this.
05/23/2011
Contributor: indiglo indiglo
Quote:
Originally posted by zizfaye
Form is nice but if it doesn't do it's job it doesn't matter how attractive it is!
I agree 100%! Being attractive is a plus, but it can't compete with a toy that works for me.
06/03/2011
Contributor: daniel and frances daniel and frances
Quote:
Originally posted by Elaira
Do you prefer an attractive design or is function your main concern?
I am drawn to pretty toys, but if it works...*shrug*
06/04/2011
Contributor: purple579 purple579
Quote:
Originally posted by zizfaye
Form is nice but if it doesn't do it's job it doesn't matter how attractive it is!
yeah i totally agree, plus a lot of times you pay big bucks for form.
06/06/2011
Contributor: cobiffle cobiffle
look does matter cuz it does help turn you on
06/06/2011
Contributor: dezzydezire dezzydezire
i love me a functional toy, but if it happens to be so sexy i crave it... well that dont hurt either.
06/28/2011
Contributor: Jenimi Jenimi
FUNCTIONAL! form is nice but if it dosnt do the job its out
07/04/2011
Contributor: lanky lanky
both can be important
07/04/2011
Contributor: Eucaly Eucaly
If it looks like it will work to me, and it has an interesting shape, then I'm more swayed by the good reviews than I would otherwise be.
07/08/2011
Contributor: Miss Anonymous Miss Anonymous
swayed by both
07/22/2011
Contributor: PiratePrincess PiratePrincess
I like them to have a little of both
07/23/2011
Contributor: alliegator alliegator
Form is what attracts me, and the reviews on it's function heavily affects what decides if I buy it.
07/23/2011
Contributor: The-IT-Guy-And-My-Secretary The-IT-Guy-And-My-Secretary
Function, I don't care if it looks like modern art if it gives me a crazy orgasm.
08/03/2011
Contributor: Kkay Kkay
It's a mix for me. In sex toys form IS function a lot of the time.
08/03/2011
Contributor: Eva Schwaltz Eva Schwaltz
I can usually tell from the form if it will work for me, but function is just as important.
08/03/2011
Contributor: thebest thebest
both, but... form
08/07/2011
Contributor: Jenyana Jenyana
Well, this was a tough one. My first impulse is to be attracted by the pretty... is a toy is pretty, wiht a particularly attractive design, I'll want it. It will be love at first sight.

However, whether or not it stays in the 'love' category will depend entirely on whether it works well and fulfils at least some of its many promises... so overall, it's what it does what will make me love or hate a toy. The toy I used the most for two years, before I discarded it altogether, was a quite frankly ugly dildo in a sad brownish colour they sent me because the pink one I wanted was out of stock (shops over here consider colour choices a suggestion at the most). Despite its disappointing appreance, it turned out to be exactly what I needed. The shape and size hit me just right, and I only ended up discarding it when it was in absolutely its last legs.
08/07/2011
Contributor: DiscretionAdvised DiscretionAdvised
There is something to be said for a visually appealing product, but at the end of the day, it's the toy that works the best that makes you O.
11/03/2011
Contributor: cheetahpita cheetahpita
Design is definitely a big deal to me. Yes, function is important, and I probably wouldn't choose a pretty toy over one that works well - actually, maybe I would, some of the glass dildos are so pretty!
11/04/2011
Contributor: Moein Moein
Well, in my our case: We will enjoy any thing because it is sooo difficult to get it. Even a small vibe will be a miracle..
11/06/2011
Contributor: unfulfilled unfulfilled
I want both, but ultimately if it can't perform then it's just another pretty toy.
11/09/2011
Contributor: LavenderSkies LavenderSkies
Quote:
Originally posted by Elaira
Do you prefer an attractive design or is function your main concern?
Definitely both.
11/10/2011
Contributor: Kendrir Kendrir
I said a little bit of both, because I've yet to experience a toy that worked well that didn't look snazzy too.
11/13/2011
Contributor: Dear Ruby Dear Ruby
A little of both, really.
11/14/2011
Contributor: pleasurehunter pleasurehunter
I like a balane of both
11/14/2011
Contributor: geliebt geliebt
Form is always great, and definitely influences my decision, but ultimately I want it to WORK!
12/02/2011
Contributor: HomuHomu HomuHomu
I would much rather have an ugly toy that works great than a beautiful one that is crappy.
12/02/2011
Contributor: jedent jedent
it's gotta work! or else i've wasted my money!
12/05/2011
Contributor: Sublime Sublime
Quote:
Originally posted by jedent
it's gotta work! or else i've wasted my money!
I agree, but if it doesn't look terrible at the same time it helps!
12/06/2011
Contributor: Rawhide Rawhide
Function over form, definitely. I'll always take the ugly toy that works vs the good looking toy that doesn't.

But if I'm going to pay top dollar for a toy, I really expect it to have both. Either that or it had better have a fuction that is amazing and can't be found anywhere else.
12/06/2011
Contributor: Sunshine14343 Sunshine14343
Quote:
Originally posted by pleasurehunter
I like a balane of both
me too
12/10/2011
Contributor: GONE! GONE!
I just want it to work, but, I will admit that a nice color or something is a huge bonus.
12/11/2011
Contributor: Jammin14580 Jammin14580
I find looks to be important, and functionality is kinda of derivative of looks. If its shape is right, it'll function right and look good. If its shape is wrong, it'll function wrong and won't look right.
12/13/2011
Contributor: LoveDove LoveDove
If it's not at least kind of cute or sleek looking, or a great color, I won't go for it. I've sat around and waited to buy a toy because the color I wanted was out of stock. So sue me.
01/15/2012
Contributor: CrystaCat CrystaCat
I don't want to use anything creepy looking or ugly, it freaks me out. But if it has a nice color and it's a niffy design I will try it, and it better work!
01/15/2012
Contributor: Greenleaf Greenleaf
I need both! It needs to look nice to get my attention and make me want to pull it out of the toybox, and it needs to work well or it'll get banished to the back of the drawer.
01/16/2012
Contributor: Piña Colada Piña Colada
Quote:
Originally posted by Elaira
Do you prefer an attractive design or is function your main concern?
Definitely a bit of both
01/17/2012
Contributor: AshMegYo AshMegYo
my toys have to be a complete package...They have to look nice (sexually appealing) and work amazingly.
01/18/2012
Contributor: ninja250 ninja250
Has to be both or just doesn't do it
01/18/2012
Contributor: Do emu Do emu
Function, all the way.
03/16/2012
Contributor: JessCee JessCee
Ehhh, the last two "luxury vibrators" I got were weak and had light buzzy vibrations... it's kind of left a bad taste in my mouth about the more expensive brands.
03/16/2012
Contributor: Nazaress Nazaress
I'm a little swayed by both. If a toy works good AND is attractive, I'll be more likely to get it. If a toy is ugly but works great, I'll get it. If it a toy is gorgeous but doesn't work well, I won't even think about getting it. Well, except in one case and that's the Hello Kitty pocket rocket but I want that for collection purposes.
03/16/2012
Contributor: Master DarkWolf Master DarkWolf
For my preference, kink toys, both are equally important.
04/29/2012
Contributor: DreamWolf DreamWolf
As am not seeing other I just choose both... It really depends on the toy...
04/29/2012
Contributor: jmex83 jmex83
Quote:
Originally posted by Elaira
Do you prefer an attractive design or is function your main concern?
We really don't care what it looks like, long as it works!
04/30/2012
Contributor: roskat roskat
As a designer form is important to me. But ultimately I'll decide whether to buy a product based on the function of it.
04/30/2012
Contributor: sweetpea12 sweetpea12
Quote:
Originally posted by Elaira
Do you prefer an attractive design or is function your main concern?
It really varies for me, sometimes I really like a sleek look but if it has a curve that I think I'll really enjoy I'm not too picky on name or generally trashiness
05/01/2012
Contributor: Girly Juice Girly Juice
Well, the thing I like about higher-end brands like Lelo, Tantus, and Njoy, is that they are beautiful AND they do their job brilliantly.

I guess I fall more on the "function" side of the debate, though. I have a few ugly cheap toys that I've kept simply because they get the job done, which makes it worthwhile to keep them around.
05/01/2012
Contributor: gsfanatic gsfanatic
Has to be comfortable, but within that group, I go for looks.
05/03/2012
Contributor: Passion plum Passion plum
Gotta go with a little of both.
05/04/2012
Contributor: kitty1949 kitty1949
both. i like things that are aesthetically pleasing
05/31/2012
Contributor: chantalgiardina chantalgiardina
Quote:
Originally posted by Elaira
Do you prefer an attractive design or is function your main concern?
I don;t like over the top designs but I am picky
05/31/2012
Contributor: sexxxkitten sexxxkitten
It has to be aesthetically appealing. How it works is important too!
05/31/2012
Contributor: xilliannax xilliannax
Quote:
Originally posted by Elaira
Do you prefer an attractive design or is function your main concern?
Function first then its got to be attractive to my eye... or i wont get it
06/20/2012
Contributor: Velocity Velocity
Function first, but if it's not at least a little good looking i won't want it.
07/13/2012
Contributor: ToyGeek ToyGeek
I like the pretty ones, but if it's unique enough, I'll buy something regardless, and if it's pretty but won't fit me or has poor reviews, I'll find something else.
07/15/2012
Contributor: iabicpl09 iabicpl09
I would have to say I want both
07/15/2012
Contributor: KRD KRD
both
07/15/2012
Contributor: AlianneCimorene AlianneCimorene
Quote:
Originally posted by Elaira
Do you prefer an attractive design or is function your main concern?
I mostly prefer function over form, but a lot of times I've noticed that if the form is too odd or unattractive to me, it's probably not up to the job I want it too do.
07/15/2012
Contributor: animepanda89 animepanda89
a bit of both
07/16/2012
Contributor: heather-mooney heather-mooney
Totally agree, a kitschy design can be really overbearing/annoying.
07/27/2012
Contributor: LaSchwartz LaSchwartz
Both but more function then design.
07/27/2012
Contributor: icyqueen icyqueen
Both is important to me.
05/20/2014
Contributor: Raymaker Raymaker
Both is generally for granted, but I do favor function over design in the end.
08/27/2015
Contributor: merc41 merc41
Quote:
Originally posted by Elaira
Do you prefer an attractive design or is function your main concern?
You can usually tell the quality of the toy by the packaging.
01/20/2017