dieter rams critiques current design to imagine a better future

Dieter Rams exhibition at milan’s ADI Design Museum

Designboom had the opportunity to visit the opening of Dieter Rams’ thought-provoking A Look Back And Ahead exhibition at the ADI Design Museum in Milan. An array of products developed by the German industrial designer tasks visitors to consider the impact of consumerism on society. Iconic designs for Braun and Vitsœ, varying from alarm clock radios to lemon squeezers, demonstrate his design approach as less, but better.

german designer Dieter Rams critiques contemporary design in the ADI Design Museum

image by © designboom

A Look Back And Ahead: the meaning of products for societY

Dieter Rams began his design career in Germany shortly after the end of World War II, a time where a positive approach to the future was very needed. In his 70-year career, Rams has become one of the most forward-thinking and influential designers of his generation. His design approach has never been focussed on the form of everyday objects alone, but rather the meaning of these products for their user and society. At a time where humanity faces more challenges than ever, Ram’s work has never been more relevant.

A Look Back And Ahead exhibit showcases an array of products designed by Rams

image © designboom

long-lasting products that are less, but better

In Milan’s ADI Museum, the ‘A Look Back And Ahead’ exhibition shows a selection of the 350 products that Dieter Rams designed for brands such as Braun and Vitsœ. One display is the ‘MPZ 2 citromatic’ juicer from 1972, which can still be found in bars and cafes today. Another, the ‘ABR 21’ designed in 1978, reveals the revolutionary Braun alarm clock that combined radio with alarm to allow the public to wake up to the sound of their favorite station. ‘Sensor’, the plastic and galvanized metal body of a wet razor for GiIlette, is also exhibited alongside its advertizing – the most expensive spot of 1990 at the Superbowl.

Rams describes his design approach as less, but better

image © designboom

Considering the thoughtlessness of contemporary design

‘A Look Back And Ahead’ isn’t merely a celebration of Dieter Rams’s work, but a conversation starter in how long-lasting design is imperative for humanity. ‘I could imagine that people of later centuries get goosebumps when they think of the thoughtlessness with which we people of today fill our homes,’ explains Rams during the opening of the exhibition.‘I would be very pleased if the exhibition at the ADI Museum would raise questions and provoke thought, especially among young designers.’

co-curator Klaus Klempt explains Rams’ early work