Many students do not pay any attention to the dissertation format required. They are too concentrated on the topic of their dissertations, so that all the rest (including spelling, grammar, dissertation format) becomes a secondary thing for them, they just obnubilate. Can we talk about the quality of a dissertation if it is not well-formatted? I guess it will be reasonable to discuss this question.

Of course, a dissertation, being not properly-formatted makes a sense, since it is a paper that has a content. Still, dissertation format is an integral part of any dissertation that should not be passed over lightly. You know it perfectly by yourself, the main requirements for a dissertation project include following the major rules of the style of formatting established by the academic institution you are studying in. Therefore, if the requirement exists, it has all rights to be fulfilled.
Actually, not rights, but it is even MORE THAN OBLIGATORY!

Dissertation format means that your paper has a completed view where all ideas and thoughts are presented appropriately. Do you think you would make any sense if you had no face? The content only cannot complete the form itself. That is why we can talk about the dissertation format as about something that is extremely important to fulfill.

So, if you are writing a dissertation project, make sure that all foot/endnotes, references, the title page, page numbers, etc. are properly organized and placed in required places.

So, the conclusion is that a dissertation does, of course, make a sense without being formatted, still your grade will be much pulled down because of it.