Dieter Rams is a legendary figure in the field of industrial design. He has left an indelible mark on the world with a career that spanned almost five decades. His iconic designs of Braun products have made him renowned immediately and established him as a leader in modern design language. After experimenting with various designers, his products are now seen as synonyms of elegance and functionality. This is why he was crowned “Godfather of Industrial Design”, setting the tone for future generations.
Dieter Rams was born on May 20, 1932, in the German city of Wiesbaden. After studying architecture and interior design at the Frankfurt Academy of Fine Arts from 1953-1955, he took up a job as an architect and interior designer. His work until 1959 mostly centred around developing modern architectural designs, which impressed Braun so much that they hired him as their in-house design consultant. From then on, Rams started to make his name in the world of industrial design with his unique minimalist aesthetic, which soon made him famous.
When Dieter Rams accepted the position of chief designer at Braun in 1955, he faced several formidable challenges. He had to create innovative designs that conformed to the company’s frugal budget and industrial aesthetic requirements while introducing cutting-edge materials and technologies into the mix. It was a daunting undertaking, but Rams was up to the task. His creations went on to become iconic examples of 20th-century modernist design and have been appreciated by contemporary culture as timeless classics.
Rams’ breakthrough came in the early 1960s when he designed a range of products for Braun that embodied “less but better”. His philosophy was to create aesthetically pleasing objects through clean lines and minimalist design. These products quickly impacted his designs, which are still seen today as timeless classics, which quickly gained worldwide acclaim, and his reputation as one of the world’s most influential designers grew.
Rams is credited with a number of key qualities that enabled him to become such an influential designer. These include a dedication to simplicity and minimalism, an eye for detail, an ability to spot trends early on, a willingness to take risks, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. All of these qualities have allowed him to create products that have stood the test of time and have made him one of the most influential designers of his generation.
Throughout his career, Rams has designed over 500 products for Braun and has become one of the most influential designers of his generation. His work has been exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, and the British Royal Society of Arts awarded him the title ‘Royal Designer for Industry’ in 1999. Rams also received the National Design Award from Cooper-Hewitt (now the Smithsonian Design Museum) in 2004.
Dieter Rams’s work is rightly lauded as the benchmark for modern design language. It is thought that he single-handedly revolutionized the field of industrial design, and his commitment to minimalism, functionality, and form has made him a popular source of inspiration among some of today’s leading designers. His work has been extensively praised by both critics and peers alike for its beauty, efficiency, and purpose-driven function; its influence can still be seen in art galleries to everyday products in people’s homes. In short, Dieter Rams is one of the great innovators in the field of modern industrial design whose groundbreaking contributions have stood the test of time.
Rams is a firm believer that objects should be designed to serve their purpose, not just look pretty. He follows the mantra that “form follows function”, emphasizing the idea that objects should be designed from a use-first perspective. Furthermore, he urges designers to not only create products that are aesthetically pleasing but also ones that are built to last and remain timeless. He believes this will help reduce wasteful habits and preserve resources, resulting in more useful and sustainable products over time.
Rams is a major proponent of taking the simplest approach to design. He regards minimalism as the ultimate form of sophistication, believing that when you strip away unnecessary components like graphics and colours, you’re left with an aesthetic that’s timeless and speaks on its own. As someone who works with a team more often than not, Rams is driven by a strong desire to cultivate a healthy working environment for all members involved. To do this, he prioritizes communication and collaboration above all else, ensuring everyone’s ideas are heard and respected in an effort to create the best possible outcome. With a strong dedication to these principles, Rams admirably guides his team through successes both large and small.
Rams is currently working on several impactful ideas and projects that will help to further his legacy and influence. These include collaborating with Vitra furniture company to create new products, which will be released in 2021. He is also working on an initiative called School of Seeing that will aim to educate future generations about the importance of design and sustainability.