Why is it important for a material to serve its intended function as part of a design?

It is crucial for a material to serve its intended function as part of a design primarily to maintain safety and usability. When a material performs effectively, it ensures that the product or structure is safe for its intended use and meets the functional requirements it was designed for. If a material fails to perform its essential functions, it could lead to safety hazards, product failures, or usability issues, which can endanger users and undermine trust in the design.

Incorporating materials that do not serve their intended functional purpose may lead to structural weaknesses, malfunctions, or even accidents. Therefore, ensuring that materials adequately fulfill their roles is fundamental to the design process, aligning with principles of sustainable design that prioritize user safety and satisfaction.

The focus on safety and usability transcends compliance with legal requirements, aesthetic value, and cost considerations related to environmental impacts, highlighting the foundational role of functionality in design.