Less and More: The Design Ethos of Dieter Rams

by Klaus Klemp (Editor), Keiko Ueki-polet (Editor)

Now available again, this is the definitive
reference book on the work of Dieter
Rams. In his more than 40 years at Braun,
Rams established himself as one of the most
influential designers of the twentieth century.
True to the principle of "less, but better,"
his elegantly clear visual language not
only defined product design for generations,
but also our fundamental understanding of
what design is and what it can and should
do. Less and More offers boundless inspiration
for anyone interested in the aesthetic
and functional aspects of applied design.
This book elucidates the philosophy of
Dieter Rams that is best summed up in the
ten rules of design that he created more
than thirty 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 features 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. In addition to the rich visual presentation
of his designs, the book contains
texts by international design experts that
explain how the work was created, describe
its timeless quality, and put it into a contemporary
context.

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

808 pages, Paperback

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)