Dieter Rams is a German born industrial designer primarily associated with Braun and the functionalist school of industrial design of the late 50s and early 60s. His simplistic approach to product design allow his designs to portray a timeless quality that still hold relevant 50 years and counting. Today, with Rams securing worldwide recognition and appreciation, his influence has reached far beyond his homeland of Germany. His impact can be seen throughout the Apple family of products and beyond. Below are his ten principles for good design.
“My heart belongs to the details. I actually always found them to be more important than the big picture. Nothing works without details. They are everything, the baseline of quality.”
-Dieter Rams
The Principles
1. Good design is innovative
2. Good design makes a product useful
3. Good design is aesthetic
4. Good design makes a product understandable
5. Good design is unobtrusive
6. Good design is honest
7. Good design is long-lasting
8. Good design is thorough down to the last detail
9. Good design is environmentally friendly
10. Good design is as little design as possible
Today, Good design is as important as ever. Even as a product designer, Mr. Rams gives graphic designers food for thought. He, along with many other designers have raised the standards for the rest of us. And whether you are looking for a new website or hiring a graphic designer for a different project, good design should always be the desired outcome.
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Dieter Rams’s ideology at Vitsœ
Dieter Rams at Vitsœ