Less and More: The Design Ethos of Dieter Rams

by Klaus Klemp, Keiko Ueki-polet

"In the more than 40 years that he spent working at Braun, Dieter Rams established himself as one of the most influential designers of the twentieth century. His elegantly clear visual language not only defined product design for decades, but also our fundamental understanding of what design is and what it can and
should do. Dieter Rams created ten rules of design more than twenty years ago. Sometimes referred to as the ten commandments, they are just as relevant today: Good design is innovative. Good design makes a product useful. Good design is aesthetic. Good design helps a product to be understood. Good design is unobtrusive. Good design is honest. Good design is durable. Good design is consistent to the last detail. Good design is environmentally friendly. Good design is as little design as possible. Less and More elucidates the design philosophy of Dieter Rams. The book contains images of hundreds of Rams's products as well as his sketches and models from Braun stereo systems and electric shavers to the chairs and shelving systems that he created for Vitsoe and his own company sdr+. In addition to the rich visual presentation of his designs, the book contains new texts by international design experts that explain how the work was created,
describe its timeless quality, and put it into current context. In this way, the work of Dieter Rams is given a contemporary reevaluation that is especially useful in light of the rediscovery of functionalism and rationalism in today s design. Less and More shows us the possibilities that design opens for both the manufacturer and the consumer as a means of making our lives better through attractive, functional solutions that also save resources. "

Genres: Design, Art Design, Nonfiction, Art, Architecture, Biography, Reference

808 pages, Hardcover

First published November 15, 2011

Reviews

[Richard Bakare · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is great in so many ways. It resembles a run of the mill coffee table collection of beautifully designed and crafted consumer goods but that is just the surface. Where it really sets itself apart are the essays contained within that give deep and rich historical context on the influences leading up to the Modernist movement and during that time. These analyses could be extended into books themselves, but used here they heighten the appreciation for each product and sketch shared later on.

On the subject of the products that are showcased, the careful selection and curation of these products evoke one word; timelessness. Each piece exemplifies that where form and function are balanced and considered through the lens of enhancing the human experience; the outcome are products that stand the test of time and influence everything that comes after. It was almost like walking through a live exhibit. The photographs do a great job of capturing the best perspectives of each product.

The balance of the products and essays create a much more compelling read than I expected. The experience analyzes in painstaking detail the philosophy behind the design process of Rams and the Braun team. We get to follow and understand the nexus and evolution of many of the products over time. The combination is like a Design 101 lecture course will leave you chasing down design inspiration at every corner. Just as the products defied their inherent purpose by way of design, the book goes beyond what you would expect.

[Yokusun Basi]

Less and More: The Design Ethos of Dieter Rams by Klaus Klemp (2015)