Dieter Ram’s 10 Principals. Does Calvin Klein follow them?
Who is Dieter Rams?
Dieter Rams is a German industrial designer. About 50 years ago, he asked himself if his own famous design was a “good design”. This led him to write and create the 10 principles of good design. Some also call these principals “the 10 commandments” in reference to Rams.
These principals have become extremely important as time has passed and many websites, products and companies try to follow them in pursuit of success.
According to Rams himself, the 10 principals of good design include.
- Is innovative
- Makes a product useful
- Is aesthetic
- Makes a product understandable
- Is unobtrusive
- Is honest
- Is long-lasting
- Is thorough down to the last detail
- Is environmentally friendly
- Involves as little design as possible
What makes these principles so important?
The experience of the user and customer are important not only to the success of a product, but also the ability to expand. No one wants to use something they don’t enjoy. Without these principles that support the quality, ease of use and beauty, a product is nothing more than a burden. When a product is all these things and dependable on top of it all, it sends a message that it’s a product worth using.
So, does Calvin Klein’s website fit these standards?
After looking through the website I believe it more than fits these design principles. The website itself is simple and easy to use. It has many fun visuals on the opening page and a sleek white and black background scheme making it both aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive to the eye rather than overwhelming. It has many models and celebrities as well adorning these clothes to show them off in more natural outfits and styles. The website is easy to navigate, and the different sections of clothes are labeled in the top front page, with easy and efficient means of finding specific pieces.
Honestly, I find the whole experience of moving through the website as enjoyable rather than a burden.