Jaren lang 'de'
vormgever bij Braun. Hij had 10 regels voor z'n ontwerpen.
Good design
is innovative
It does not copy existing product forms, nor does it
produce any kind of novelty for the sake of it. The essence of innovation must
be clearly seen in all functions of a product. The possibilities in this respect
are by no means exhausted. Technological development keeps offering new chances
for innovative solutions.
Good design
makes a product useful
A product is bought in order to be used. It
must serve a defined purpose – in both primary and additional functions. The
most important task of design is to optimise the utility of a
product.
Good design
is aesthetic
The aesthetic quality of a product – and the
fascination it inspires – is an integral part of its utility. Without doubt, it
is uncomfortable and tiring to have to put up with products that are confusing,
that get on your nerves, that you are unable to relate to. However, it has
always been a hard task to argue about aesthetic quality, for two
reasons.
Firstly, it is
difficult to talk about anything visual, since words have a different meaning
for different people.
Secondly, aesthetic
quality deals with details, subtle shades, harmony and the equilibrium of a
whole variety of visual elements. A good eye is required, schooled by years and
years of experience, in order to be able to draw the right
conclusion.
Good design
helps a product to be understood
It clarifies the structure of the
product. Better still, it can make the product talk. At best, it is
self-explanatory and saves you the long, tedious perusal of the operating
manual.
Good
design is unobtrusive
Products that satisfy this criterion are
tools. They are neither decorative objects nor works of art. Their design should
therefore be both neutral and restrained leaving room for the user’s
self-expression.
Good design
is honest
An honestly-designed product must not claim features –
more innovative, more efficient, of higher value – it does not have. It must not
influence or manipulate buyers and user
Good design
is durable
It is nothing trendy that might be out-of-date tomorrow.
This is one of the major differences between well-designed products and trivial
objects for a waste-producing society. Waste must no longer be
tolerated.
Good
design is thorough to the last detail
Thoroughness and accuracy of
design are synonymous with the product and its functions, as seen through the
eyes of the user.
Good design
is concerned with the environment
Design must contribute towards a
stable environment and a sensible use of raw materials. This means considering
not only actual pollution, but also the visual pollution and destruction of our
environment.
Good design
is as little design as possible
Back to purity, back to
simplicity.