As someone that likes a balance between form and function, I find that in software developers tend to prioritize one over the other, which as a user tends to be quite infuriating at times.
On one hand, you get apps that are over designed. Yes, the look good but using is a drag because so much effort was put on the looks that usability goes down the drain. On the other hand, some apps are so focused are so set on being funcional, that while they are they look really bad.
Personally, I prefer when there is a balance. Not every app will look great at the end, but that doesn't mean that they the can't be made to look the best they can. The end use should be always be kept in mind, and be designed around it. The way it looks is just as important as the way it works, specially when people will interact with the app constantly during long periods of time. How the user feels when they use an app, is just as important as how they use the app.
In a way, the app should allow the user to work with as little friction from the app itself. While some apps might need to have features that lock certain users from doing certain thing, they should make it so in a way that the design itself doesn't allow them to do those functions. For example, if doing something requires a button, or a link, don't just grey it out simply don't show it to the users that don't require, or have permission, to use that function.
If possible, allow each user to set they app configuration to their liking. Things like color come to mind, no need to give user to much. Just enough to make the app more friendly to each user as possible. Modern programing languages come with what is needed to make it happen, use those tools to give the users a better experience using your app. Users have come to expect a level of customization to make almost every aspect of their computer, and apps, to fin the user needs.
I hope that the balance between form and function in apps comes sooner.
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