Principles of good design
At dembrane, we are building tools to make it as easy as possible for large groups to learn about themselves and make decisions more democratically.
To guide us, we are drawing on design principles: Jor explored those of legendary designer Dieter Rams : they have been around for decades, but as the youtube channel Design Theory points out, some of these principles have room for an update!
“I always emphasised that [the principles] weren’t meant to last forever. They should be updated.” - Rams
TP 1 radio/phono combination, 1959, by Dieter Rams for Braun
Good design is innovative
but don’t innovate for innovation’s sake.
The possibilities for innovation are not, by any means, exhausted. Technological development is always offering new opportunities for innovative design. But innovative design always develops in tandem with innovative technology, and can never be an end in itself.
Good design makes a product useful
but “Useful” means different things to different people
A product is bought to be used. It has to satisfy certain criteria, not only functional, but also psychological and aesthetic. Good design emphasises the usefulness of a product whilst disregarding anything that could possibly detract from it.
MPZ 21 multipress citrus juicer, 1972, by Dieter Rams and Jürgen Greubel for Braun
RT 20 tischsuper radio, 1961, by Dieter Rams for Braun
Good design is aesthetic
but beauty is subjective
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.
Good design makes a product understandable
but it can also be intentionally mysterious or difficult, to make eventual mastery more satisfying.
It clarifies the product’s structure. Better still, it can make the product talk. At best, it is self-explanatory.
T 1000 world receiver, 1963, by Dieter Rams for Braun
Cylindric T 2 lighter, 1968, by Dieter Rams for Braun
Good design is unobtrusive
but it may be obtrusive if it intents to obstruct
Products fulfilling a purpose are like tools. They are neither decorative objects nor works of art. Their design should therefore be both neutral and restrained, to leave room for the user’s self-expression.
Good design is honest
but it may also be fantastical - what is honesty in fiction?
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.
L 450 flat loudspeaker, TG 60 reel-to-reel tape recorder and TS 45 control unit, 1962-64, by Dieter Rams for Braun
620 Chair Program, 1962, by Dieter Rams for Vitsœ
Good design is long-lasting
but it could be short lived if it is also regenerative.
It avoids being fashionable and therefore never appears antiquated. Unlike fashionable design, it lasts many years – even in today’s throwaway society.
Good design is thorough down to the last detail
but things to chance can lead to better designs. Micromanaging teams can lead to a mess. Good design, rather, is like good gardening.
Nothing must be arbitrary or left to chance. Care and accuracy in the design process show respect towards the user.
ET 66 calculator, 1987, by Dietrich Lubs for Braun
606 Universal Shelving System, 1960, by Dieter Rams for Vitsœ
Good design is environmentally-friendly
but we do not want to minimise harm (eco-efficiency) - we want to maximise the good (eco-effectiveness).
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.
Good design is as little design as possible
it’s beauty should born out of purpose and unhindered - it shouldn’t have minimal aesthetics that complicate usability, manufacturing or affordability.
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.
L 2 speaker, 1958, by Dieter Rams for Braun