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2024-04-17 16:18:55

Dieter Rams

German industrial designer associated with Braun and Vitsœ.
German industrial designer associated with Braun and Vitsœ.
Dieter Rams, born in 1932, is known for his 'less, but better' design philosophy. His work has had a significant impact on 20th century design and culture, emphasizing the importance of considering people and their environment in design.
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Books on Dieter Rams
Books on Dieter Rams offer in-depth insights into his design philosophy, innovative products, and lasting impact on the field of industrial design.
1932-05-20
Birth of Dieter Rams
Dieter Rams, a German industrial designer known for his work with Braun and Vitsœ, was born on May 20, 1932. He is renowned for his minimalist design philosophy that emphasizes simplicity and functionality.
1947
Dieter Rams starts studies at Wiesbaden School of Art
In 1947, Dieter Rams began his studies in architecture and interior decoration at Wiesbaden School of Art, which later influenced his design approach and principles.
1950
Dieter Rams introduces the principle of 'Good Design'
In 1950, Dieter Rams introduced the principle of 'Good Design', emphasizing the importance of functionality, aesthetics, and psychological aspects in product design.
1953
Dieter Rams graduates in architecture with honours
In 1953, Dieter Rams graduated in architecture with honors from Wiesbaden School of Art, showcasing his dedication and talent in the field.
1955
Rams joins Braun
In 1955, Dieter Rams joined Braun at the age of 23. He later became the head of design at the company and designed many iconic products.
1956
Braun SK 4 Record Player Design
In 1956, Dieter Rams designed the Braun SK 4 record player, showcasing his innovative approach to product design.
1957
Combi Electric Shaver
In 1957, Dieter Rams designed the Combi Electric Shaver, a revolutionary grooming device that combined functionality and sleek design.
1958
Pocket Radio (model T3)
In 1958, Dieter Rams in collaboration with Hochschule für Gestaltung, Ulm, Germany, designed the Pocket Radio (model T3), a compact and innovative radio for on-the-go listening.
1959
Dieter Rams designs furniture for Niels Vitsœ and Otto Zapf
In 1959, Dieter Rams was given the opportunity to design furniture for Niels Vitsœ and Otto Zapf by Erwin Braun. This decision was made to boost the market for the company's radios.
1960
Dieter Rams advocates for product understandability
In the 1960s, Dieter Rams advocated for making products understandable by clarifying their structure and ensuring they clearly express their function, enhancing user intuition and usability.
1961
Rams becomes head of design at Braun
In 1961, Dieter Rams became the head of design at Braun, a position he held until his retirement in 1997. During this time, he oversaw the creation of innovative products.
1963
F21 received ‘Supreme Award’ at Interplas exhibition, London
In 1963, the F21 received the 'Supreme Award' at the Interplas exhibition in London.
1967
Jonathan Ive becomes a Product Designer
In 1967, Jonathan Ive started his career as a Product Designer.
1968
Rams designs T 2 cigarette lighter for Braun
In 1968, Dieter Rams designed the cylindric T 2 cigarette lighter for Braun. He insisted on designing the technology inside the lighter, leading to innovative mechanisms being used in successive versions.
1969
620 chair awarded gold medal at the International Furniture Exhibition in Vienna
In 1969, the 620 chair was awarded a gold medal at the International Furniture Exhibition in Vienna.
1970
Dieter Rams promotes unobtrusive design
During the 1970s, Dieter Rams promoted unobtrusive design, emphasizing that products should be neutral and restrained to serve their purpose effectively without overshadowing the user's self-expression.
1971
Dieter Rams's House Protection
Dieter Rams's house, built in 1971, has been safeguarded for the benefit of future generations.
1976
Dieter Rams' Speech 'Design by Vitsœ'
In 1976, Dieter Rams delivered a speech in New York titled 'Design by Vitsœ' where he emphasized responsible design and the importance of understanding people for good design. He also highlighted the dwindling natural resources and called for more responsibility towards the environment.
1978
Awarded SIAD Medal of the Society of Industrial Artists and Designers, UK
In 1978, awarded the SIAD Medal by the Society of Industrial Artists and Designers in the UK.
1980
Dieter Rams advocates for honest design principles
In the 1980s, Dieter Rams advocated for honesty in design, urging that products should not exaggerate their features or manipulate consumers with false promises.
1985
Awarded Académico de Honor Extranjero by the Academia Mexicana de Diseño, Mexico
In 1985, awarded the Académico de Honor Extranjero by the Academia Mexicana de Diseño in Mexico.
1989
First recipient of the Industrie Forum Design Hannover, Germany, for special contribution to design
In 1989, became the first recipient of the Industrie Forum Design in Hannover, Germany, for a special contribution to design.
1990
Dieter Rams emphasizes the importance of long-lasting design
During the 1990s, Dieter Rams stressed the significance of long-lasting design, contrasting it with fleeting trends and highlighting the importance of timeless products in a disposable society.
1992
Received Ikea prize and uses prize money for his own Dieter and Ingeborg Rams Foundation for the promotion of design
In 1992, received the Ikea prize and utilized the prize money to establish the Dieter and Ingeborg Rams Foundation for the promotion of design.
1996
Received World Design Medal from the Industrial Designers Society of America
In 1996, received the World Design Medal from the Industrial Designers Society of America.
1997
Dieter Rams Retires from Braun
In 1997, Dieter Rams retired from Braun after a dual career. He believes in achieving the best design through internal design teams.
1998
Dieter Rams Retires from Braun A.G.
In 1998, Dieter Rams retired from his position as head of design for Braun A.G. after serving nearly 30 years. Rams is a renowned German industrial designer known for his minimalist and functional approach to design.
2000
Dieter Rams focuses on meticulous design details
In the 2000s, Dieter Rams emphasized the importance of thoroughness in design, ensuring that every detail is intentional and reflects respect towards the consumer.
2002
Awarded Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
In 2002, awarded the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
2003
Received Design Award ONDI, Havana, Cuba for his special contribution to industrial design and world culture
In 2003, received the Design Award ONDI in Havana, Cuba, for a special contribution to industrial design and world culture.
2007
Awarded Design Prize of the Federal republic of Germany for his life’s work
In 2007, awarded the Design Prize of the Federal Republic of Germany for his life’s work.
2009
Rams's Influence on Apple Design
In Gary Hustwit's 2009 documentary film Objectified, Dieter Rams mentioned that Apple is one of the few companies that design products according to his principles. His aesthetics and design philosophy have greatly influenced Apple's products, with specific references to Rams's work for Braun in Apple's iOS 6 calculator and other products.
2010
Dieter Rams advocates for environmentally friendly design
In the 2010s, Dieter Rams promoted environmentally friendly design, highlighting its role in conserving resources, minimizing pollution, and contributing to environmental preservation.
2011-05-08
Dieter Rams Becomes Chief of Design at Braun
Dieter Rams, a German industrial designer, joined the electronic devices manufacturer Braun and quickly rose to become their chief of design, a position he held for almost 35 years. He is known for designing many iconic devices and for his philosophy of 'Less, but better'.
2012
Reddot design award and IF product design award for BN0106 digital chronograph
In 2012, the BN0106 digital chronograph designed by an unknown individual received the prestigious Reddot design award and IF product design award.
2013
Awarded Lifetime Achievement Medal at London Design Festival 2013
In 2013, Dieter Rams was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Medal at the London Design Festival for his significant contributions to the field of design.
2016
Rams documentary Kickstarter campaign
In 2016, filmmaker Gary Hustwit initiated a Kickstarter campaign for the documentary 'Rams', featuring insightful conversations with Dieter Rams about his design philosophy, iconic creations, inspirations, and regrets. The campaign also aimed to preserve Rams's design archive through the Dieter and Ingeborg Rams Foundation.
2020
Dieter Rams promotes minimalist design philosophy
In the 2020s, Dieter Rams continued to advocate for minimalist design, emphasizing 'less, but better' approach that focuses on essential functions and simplicity in product design.
2022
Dieter Rams. A Style Room exhibition in Frankfurt
In 2022, the Museum für Angewandte Kunst in Frankfurt updated and expanded its permanent display 'Dieter Rams. A Style Room' to commemorate Dieter Rams's 90th birthday, featuring photographs by his wife, Ingeborg Rams.
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Dieter Rams

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Dieter Rams

German industrial designer associated with Braun and Vitsœ.
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