Dieter Rams: Ten Principles of Good Design

Dieter Rams, a legend in industrial design, especially known for his work at Braun and his influence on Apple, has left a long lasting impact on how we perceive design today. His approach to design is often viewed as timeless guidance, continuing to guide product designers worldwide. So, what exactly makes a good product design? Here are his top ten principles to design by. 

 

Innovation - Good design must be innovative, pushing forward where function meets form in new ways.

 

Utility - It should make a product useful; a product is bought to fulfill a purpose.

 

Aesthetics - Good design is aesthetic. It beautifies the environment, enhancing daily life.

 

Clarity - The design should make the product understandable, transparent, and honest.

 

Unobtrusiveness - Products should be neutral in their impact on the environment, not disturbing or distracting.

 

Honesty - The product must not deceive; it should communicate its purpose clearly.

 

Longevity - Design that lasts, avoiding the fleeting trends to ensure sustainability.

 

Detail - Being thorough down to the last detail, nothing should be arbitrary or left to chance.

 

Environment - Good design respects the environment, considering the ecological impact of production and use.

 

Minimal Design - Less, but better - simplicity in design reduces complexity in life.

 

Rams' philosophy prioritizes quality and functionality without sacrificing beauty, advocating for a design that endures. His principles remind us that good design transcends aesthetics, touching on ethics, usability, and environmental consciousness. In a world of excess, Rams taught us the value of simplicity, something more critical today than ever. 

 

At AVID Labs, Rams’ influence is evident in how we interact with technology and how we develop our products. Together, we will design the future one product at a time.