Random part of the day: Shell 3X1X2, W/ Cross Hole, No. 1

I wonder what percentage of new Technic parts introduced since the conclusion of Bionicle have been more about shape than function.

@PurpleDave said:
"I wonder what percentage of new Technic parts introduced since the conclusion of Bionicle have been more about shape than function."

I assume your question pertains to the difference between: 1) the function of connecting parts together; and 2) the exterior shape of a finished model.

I would agree with with your implied statement that more pieces have been developed to give finished models a smoother, more-accurate, less-Lego-studded appearance. It's an interesting question.

It seems to me that even Bionicle had quite a few pieces (shoulder armor, heads, etc.) that were more about shape than function.

@StyleCounselor:
Oh, Bionicle had tons of them, and burned through new mold designs like nobody’s business. Bionicle caught up to Star Wars, with two years lead time, at the point where both themes hit triple-digits. I pointedly excluded the Bionicle years for a few reasons. One is that hardcore Technic fans would dismiss pretty much the entire theme as non-functional, when the first few years especially incorporated action functions in every model. Bionicle also sorta displaced regular Technic for a few years there, when even the Technic name ceased to be displayed on any sets. But most importantly, it was only after the Bionicle/Hero Factory/Bionicle years that Technic really started to crank out tons of fairings, followed by stuff like this. In the 1900’s, there were maybe 3-4 pairs of fairings, all of which had channels formed into them that could hold the crinkle tubes in place, but more recently they’ve shifted to solid panel fairings that come in a much wider variety.