Dieter Rams’ 10 principles for good design

1. Good design is innovative
2. Good design makes a product useful
3. Good design is aesthetic
4. Good design makes a product understandable
5. Good design is unobtrusive
6. Good design is honest
7. Good design is long-lasting
8. Good design is thorough down to the last detail
9. Good design is environmentally friendly
10. Good design is as little design as possible

Better by Design articles highlighting aspects of each principle:

• Principle 1 → Anglepoise lamp
• Principle 2 → Dyson cordless vacuum
• Principle 3 → Eames shell chair
• Principle 4 → Vitamix blender
• Principle 5 → Motorola Razr v3
• Principle 6 → Converse All-Stars
• Principle 7 → The gooseneck kettle
• Principle 8 → Stardew Valley
• Principle 9 → Dr. Bronner’s soaps
• Principle 10 → The pedestal collection