DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

I was the only designer in the 60s and 50s reporting directly to the top entrepreneur at Braun, which was not normal at that time.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

I was surprised that Jonathan Ive has a close connection to the entrepreneur at Apple, which is necessary for a designer.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

When I met the Braun brothers in 1955, I had other ideas and wanted to stay with architecture, but I ended up working with them as an architect.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

The first designs I saw from the school for Braun's radios made me realize I wanted to become a designer instead of pursuing architecture.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

Designers should not only focus on what they like; they need to consider how to change the world for the better.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

Designers should always strive to be better and not settle for being good enough.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

I learned that good design must be environmentally friendly, but we still have a lot of work to do to protect our environment.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

Design schools must teach not just students but also politicians and entrepreneurs about the importance of design in creating a better world.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

There are only a few companies that take design seriously, and we need more political thinking that is design-minded.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

Designers can influence politicians, but we cannot change the world alone; we need collaboration with entrepreneurs.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

I had the opportunity to meet with politicians in Germany, and it was fascinating to see how often they change every two years, making it hard to establish lasting connections.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

After the war, we worked with architects to build a new identity for Germany, focusing on learning democracy and rebuilding society.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

The first International architectural exhibition in Berlin showcased Germany in a new light, helping to reshape its identity post-war.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

New material combinations present great opportunities for designers, and we must always keep an open eye on technological advancements.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

As designers, we need to look beyond our own companies and understand what industries are developing new materials and technologies.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

The rapid development of electronics means we must be cautious, as the latest technology can become obsolete in just two years.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

Designers must be honest in their work, focusing on simplicity and eliminating unnecessary elements to create meaningful products.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

The philosophy of simplicity in design is crucial, and it’s a principle that Steve Jobs embraced, which he learned from others.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

Design can significantly impact a company's success, and it’s essential to fight for good design in a competitive market.

DR

Dieter Rams

06/01/13

@ ArtCenter College of Design

Life in design involves risks, and both designers and entrepreneurs must be willing to take those risks to achieve success.

A Conversation With Designer Dieter Rams at ArtCenter College of Design

Takeaways