What is good design?

Abstract

The concept of good design is discussed, especially in the area of consumer products. The minimalist views of noted industrial designer Dieter Rams are explored, as explained in his essay Omit the unimportant. In this view, emphasis is placed on simplicity, as reflected in the values of importance, clarity, restraint, progressiveness, and innovation. Yet, good design involves more than the technical prowess these values reflect. Rams argues that good design also involves a social mission: to make the world more humane. As our environment becomes increasingly one of our own design, the importance of this social mission in good design becomes central. However admirable, this program is open to criticism. Its results may seem rather bloodless. It is also unclear that it is able to achieve the social objective of a more humane world.