In the 1970s, against a backdrop of 'impenetrable confusion of forms, colours and noises,' Dieter Rams
asked himself an important question: "Is my design good design?"
His answer is expressed in his ten principles for good design.
The possibilities for innovation are not, by any means, exhausted. Technological development is always offering new opportunities for design. But innovative design always develops in tandem with innovative technology and can never be an end in itself.
The aesthetic quality of a product is integral to its usefulness because products we use every day affect our person and our well-being. But only well-executed objects can be beautiful.
Products fulfilling a purpose are like tools. They are neither decorative nor works of art. Their design should therefore be both natural and restrained to leave room for the user's self-expression.
It avoids being fashionable and therefore never appears antiquated. Unlike fashionable design, it lasts many years - even in today's throwaway society.
Design makes an important contribution to the preservation of the environment. It conserves resources and minimises physical and visual pollution throughout the lifecycle of the product.
A product is bought to be used. It has to satisfy not only functional, but also psychological and aesthetic critera. Good design emphasises the usefulness of a product whilst disregarding anything that could possibly detract from it.
It clarifies the product's structure. Better still, it can make the product talk. At best, it is self-explanatory.
It does not make a product more innovative, powerful or valuable than it really is. It does not attempt to manipulate the consumer with promises that cannot be kept.
Nothing must be arbitrary or left to chance. Care and accuracy in the design process show respect towards the user.
Less, but better - because it concentrates on the essential aspects and the products are not burdened with non-essentials.
Back to purity, back to simplicity.
