Most people have no idea who the Industrial Designer Dieter Rams is, and that is pretty much how he likes it. However, most people have enjoyed his work and his influence, even if they are not consciously aware that they enjoy it.
Dieter Rams believes that the design of products slated for use by individuals, such as furniture or home electronics, should be as user-friendly as possible, with any knobs, dials, or buttons being self-explanatory regarding their function while remaining aesthetically pleasing.
To that end in the 1970's Mr. Rams created a set of ten Principles of Good Design. According to Mr. Rams, good design should be:
Innovative - When tasked with creating the design of a product, especially if that product is one featuring new technology, do not fall back on the tried and true. Break new ground with respect to how the product is to be handled when used and how the various functions of the product can be readily accessed.
Useful - ease of use contributes mightily to the success of a product. Flashier, sexier, and sleeker might be eye-catching, but usefulness wins out when it comes to people repeatedly choosing to use a product.
Aesthetically pleasing - the above being said, everyone appreciates having a visually appealing useful item in their home or hand, especially if it is as functional as it is beautiful.
Helpful regarding the use of a product - nobody wants to have to read and reread a manual to understand how a product works. The design of a product should help the user understand the product's function intuitively, without the need for excessive instruction or explanation.
Unobtrusive - leave decorative arts to the artists. While products that are created to serve an everyday function should be aesthetically pleasing, they are not meant to be placed on a mantle or in a showcase. They are meant to be used.
Honest - honest design does not present a product as more than it is. It is not intended to fool the user into believing it is anything other than a useful tool that looks good.
Long-Lasting - good design does not follow and then fall out of current fashion. Good design is timeless, reflecting not only durability but also an effortless freshness.
Thorough down to the last detail - Attention to detail cannot be overstated. Exercising forethought and care when creating a product design results in elegantly precise functionality.
Environmentally friendly - minimize the carbon footprint while maximizing the long-term sustainability of the product. Create a design that ensures the product produces as little harm to the environment as possible.
As simple as you can make it - do not add unnecessary clutter to the design. Allow the user to readily focus on the essential function of the product without having to visually sort through a jungle.
*Translated from the German = "Less, but better"
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