Dieter Rams: Apple's Secret Design Muse

The man who inspired Apple designs, a dust-busting spray and a Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece.

Hi y’all 👋

Happy Thursday and welcome back to The Midmod Corner: the dazzling design guru in your inbox, transforming humble abodes into extraordinary spaces, one witty newsletter at a time ✨

In today’s edition:

  • Design story: The juicy secret behind Apple’s product designs 🍏 

  • Bits and Pieces: Keep dust at bay with this simple spray 🧹

  • Cool Corner: A voyage where form meets function 📚

📰 The Story

🌟 Dieter Rams: The Design Maestro

Meet Dieter Rams, the iconic German designer who's been rocking the design scene since the 1950s! Born in Wiesbaden, Germany, in 1932, Rams started his career as an architect before joining the German consumer products company Braun as a designer. Rising through the ranks, he eventually became Braun's chief design officer, creating an array of functional, user-friendly, and aesthetically striking products that have inspired generations of designers.

Among those captivated by his work were two familiar names – Steve Jobs and Jony Ive! 🤯

🔍 Design Doppelgängers: Braun Meets Apple

When you think of Apple, sleek design and simplicity come to mind, right? Well, that's no coincidence! Steve Jobs and Jony Ive, Apple's former Chief Design Officer, were both huge fans of Rams' work.

Rams’ design philosophy played a significant role in shaping Apple's product aesthetic. Jony Ive writes on Dieter Rams that “the products resonates so deeply with me that nearly forty years on I remember my sense of it with startling clarity.” At a glance, you knew exactly what it was and exactly how to use it.” A lot of Braun products designed by Rams has been incorporated in Apple’s devices and apps.

If you compare Braun's T3 pocket radio from 1958 with the first iPod, you'll notice striking similarities in their design language. The iPod's iconic click wheel was inspired by the circular dial of the T3 radio, while the overall form factor and simplicity of the device can be traced back to Rams' principles. The original iPhone, with its sleek lines and aluminum body, also mirrors the ethos of Rams' designs, prioritizing functionality and user experience above all. 📻📱

🌍 Rams' Enduring Legacy in Design

Rams' influence reaches far beyond Apple, and his design principles still hold up in our fast-paced, ever-changing world. So, the next time you're admiring your iPhone or MacBook, take a moment to appreciate the design legend who helped shape the tech we know and love. 🖥️🌟

There you have it – As we continue to explore the kaleidoscope of design, let's never forget the trailblazing visionaries who've shown us the way.

Stay curious, design lovers! 🚀🌈

🗃 Bits and Pieces

  • Now You See It, Now You Don't: Make your TV disappear with these ingenious home décor tricks

  • Dust-Busting Spray: DIY solution to keep dust bunnies away.

  • Bathroom Beauties: Dive into a world of bathroom bliss with these inspiring spaces

  • Nature's Masterstroke: A modern marvel melding nature and architectural ingenuity at heart of Marrakech.

😎 Cool Corner

In this week's Cool Corner, we bring you three exceptional books that celebrate Rams' design philosophy and showcase his inspiring work.

So curl up in your favorite armchair and let these captivating reads transport you to a realm where form meets function, sparking emotions and fueling your passion for elegant simplicity.

  1. Less but Better: Delve into the mind of the master himself as you explore Rams' design principles and discover the essence of his "less, but better" philosophy.

  2. Less and More: This comprehensive monograph pays tribute to Rams' career, featuring over 200 illustrations that reveal his unwavering commitment to elegant simplicity and functional design.

  3. Dieter Rams: A stunning visual journey through the designer's prolific body of work, this book offers an intimate look at Rams' creative process, values, and enduring influence on the world of design.

🌐 Around the Web

  • 🥐 That’s interesting: Couture meets Cali cool with Palm Angels Paris flagship store

  • 🏮 Weekend plan: First-ever display of six unique Akari lamps in NYC

  • 🏘 On the market: A Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece in Tulsa.

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