Designers
Dieter Rams
Dieter Rams – Born 1932
Dieter Rams is a German industrial designer who worked chiefly for the consumer products company Braun, where he was head of design from 1961 until 1995.As a child Rams was influenced by his grandfather, a carpenter, and later he studied architecture at the Werkkunstschule Wiesbaden. He worked for the architect Otto Apel before he was recruited by Braun in 1955.Rams is famous for his ten commandments of design, among them that “good design is self-explanatory, [saving] you the long, tedious perusal of the operating manual,” and that “good design is as little design as possible.” He was a proponent of environmentally-friendly design, believing consumers and designers could contribute to a stable environment by creating better-made products that lasted longer so they wouldn’t be replaced as often.His designs for Braun were a departure from the heavy, wooden designs that dominated the design landscape at the time. His famous SK record player, which he designed with Hans Gugelot, had a white console and was dubbed “Snow White’s coffin.” Rams’ designs are speculated to have had a major influence on Apple product designer Jonathan Ive — some 21st century Apple products bear a striking resemblance to products Rams designed for Braun in the 1960s.Rams also designed the highly-coveted Vitsoe 606 Universal Shelving System in 1960. The modular shelving units is known for its clean lines, user-friendly installation and, above all, its functionality.
Many Rams’ designs are showcased at MoMA in New York.
Written for lushpad by Katherine Raz.
Tagged designer biographies, Dieter Rams
