What is the difference between functional and aesthetic aspects of design?

Functional design focuses on the practical and functional aspects of a product or system, making sure that it does what it is supposed to do. On the other hand, aesthetic design focuses on the visual and sensory aspects, making sure that the user has a pleasant and attractive experience.

Functional design deals with usability and performance, while aesthetics deals with overall look, feel and emotional impact. Balancing the two is essential for designing products that not only perform well, but also engage users visually and emotionally, which ultimately leads to a successful design.