Dieter Rams Design Prinicples

Jan 8, 2024

Stephen Thorpe Media Cobb County

Dieter Rams’ 10 Principles:

  1. Good Design is Innovative: Design should push the boundaries and introduce new ideas, technologies, and solutions. It should strive for innovation and improvement rather than imitation or superficial styling.


  1. Good Design Makes a Product Useful: Design should prioritize the usefulness and functionality of a product. It should fulfill a specific purpose and provide value to the user.


  1. Good Design is Aesthetic: Design should be visually appealing and have a clean, minimalist aesthetic. It should focus on simplicity, elegance, and harmony in form and proportion.


  1. Good Design Makes a Product Understandable: Design should communicate its purpose and functionality clearly. It should be intuitive and easily understandable for users, minimizing the need for complex instructions.


  1. Good Design is Unobtrusive: Design should be subtle and unobtrusive, allowing the product’s function to take center stage. It should not distract or overwhelm users with unnecessary elements or embellishments.


  1. Good Design is Honest: Design should be truthful and transparent. It should not deceive or manipulate users, but rather convey accurate information and represent the product’s true nature.


  1. Good Design is Long-lasting: Design should have longevity. It should be durable, both in terms of physical construction and aesthetic appeal, to withstand the test of time and avoid contributing to the disposable culture.


  1. Good Design is Thorough Down to the Last Detail: Design should consider every aspect and detail of the product, from its overall form to its individual components. It should demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.


  1. Good Design is Environmentally Friendly: Design should be environmentally conscious and sustainable. It should consider the impact on the environment throughout the product’s lifecycle, from production to use and disposal.


  1. Good Design is as Little Design as Possible: Design should strive for simplicity and minimalism, removing any unnecessary elements or features. It should focus on essential functionality and avoid excessive complexity or ornamentation.