Function as a Preferred Dimension among Children and Adults

Abstract

Subjects' preferences for function vs form or for function vs color were tested using a method of triads. Children (16 girls, 24 boys) and adults (65 women, 17 men) showed a strong preference for function over color and adults also for function over form. Color-function concept identification was better when function was the relevant dimension. These data indicate that function can be assessed like physical dimensions, that function is more preferred than or as preferred as other dimensions by children and adults and that responses to preference tests are applicable over a wide range of dimensions and ages.