vormgevingseigenschap

Vormgevingseigenschap is a Dutch term that refers to the design properties or form characteristics of a product or object. It encompasses attributes related to the appearance, shape, and feel of the design—such as silhouette, proportions, curvature, surface finish, color, texture, ergonomics, and how the form communicates intent or brand identity. These properties influence how an object is perceived, handled, and integrated into its context, in addition to how it supports function.

In practice, vormgevingseigenschap emerges from the design brief and concept development and is refined through modeling, prototyping, and user feedback. Designers seek a balance between form-related goals and usability, ergonomics, manufacturability, and cost, ensuring that the form strengthens usability and aesthetic appeal while respecting production constraints.

Evaluation of vormgevingseigenschap can be qualitative, based on judgments of aesthetics, perceived quality, or market appeal, or quantitative, using perceptual metrics, geometric measurements, or alignment with style guides. It is often documented in design specifications and visual guidelines to guide production and quality control.

The term is primarily used in Dutch-language design discourse and may be translated as "design property" or "form characteristic." It highlights the importance of form in the overall value proposition of a product, alongside function, durability, and sustainability.