Ten Principles of Good Design
March 15, 2023 at 12:00:00 AM
Description
For this project, I set out to create a microsite that reflects the core principles of Dieter Rams' 10 principles of good design, which advocate for designs that are functional, aesthetically simple, and sustainable in the long term.
My approach was to rethink how Rams' philosophies could be brought to life in a modern, interactive, and engaging way, while staying true to the spirit of his work. By weaving the principles into an intuitive digital experience, I aimed to not only educate users on Rams' ideas but also embody those very principles within the structure and functionality of the site. I felt that by doing so, the microsite would provide an immersive learning tool that not only explains but also exemplifies good design through its own design choices.
Video
My approach was to rethink how Rams' philosophies could be brought to life in a modern, interactive, and engaging way, while staying true to the spirit of his work. By weaving the principles into an intuitive digital experience, I aimed to not only educate users on Rams' ideas but also embody those very principles within the structure and functionality of the site. I felt that by doing so, the microsite would provide an immersive learning tool that not only explains but also exemplifies good design through its own design choices.
Process
The process began with a deep dive into Rams' work and philosophy. I reviewed a range of his design pieces, focusing not just on his iconic Braun products but also his writings and interviews, to gain a holistic understanding of his design principles. From this research, I crafted a layout that would allow each of the principles to be explained in a way that was both visually stimulating and educational.
One key decision in the process was to use posters as a core visual element. Posters became a medium through which the principles could be brought to life, not just through text but also through vibrant, minimalist illustrations. Each poster would visually encapsulate a principle, using bold typography, stark contrasts, and minimalist illustrations to evoke the clarity and simplicity that Rams advocates. The posters were designed to serve not only as a visual reference but also as a way to create an emotional connection with the visitor. Their simplicity and use of space were intended to reflect the principles themselves—nothing unnecessary, everything serving a clear purpose.
Moreover, I worked on integrating subtle animations and transitions that reflected the idea of functional aesthetics. Elements like scrolling effects, hover states, and subtle interactions throughout the site were purposefully designed to maintain a smooth, fluid user experience, ensuring that users would remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
Wireframes
The process began with a deep dive into Rams' work and philosophy. I reviewed a range of his design pieces, focusing not just on his iconic Braun products but also his writings and interviews, to gain a holistic understanding of his design principles. From this research, I crafted a layout that would allow each of the principles to be explained in a way that was both visually stimulating and educational.
Reflection
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was implementing responsive design techniques. The challenge of making sure the site looked great on all devices—whether a large desktop screen or a mobile phone—was something I embraced, knowing that the adaptability of the design would reflect Rams' principle that good design is always flexible and adaptable to the needs of its users.
