Braun did it right

Recently there have been some heated discussions (1, 2, 3) in the online design community about the similarities between Apple’s product line and Braun’s product designs from the 60’s. Instead of adding more to the controversy, I would like to take a moment here and concentrate on Braun’s design aesthetic from those years, which is still impressive by today’s standards. During an era that is known for its stylistic trends and visual icons (space age, plastic/fiberglass bubbles, Sgt. Pepper, op-art, psychedelic forms, etc.) Braun approached product design from a purely functional angle, and focused on core design principles, such as innovation, endurance, honesty, usability, and consistency, that resulted in great products with timeless design.

Just to give you some context, I would like to remind you that the following were designed around the same time this was still being manufactured. And this was considered cutting-edge.

“Good design is as little design as possible.” -Dieter Rams.

Braun products from the 60’s

	This is not a computer case. It’s a portable transistor radio/world receiver, circa 1962, designed by the great Dieter Rams. The all-metal body, and removable cover creates a nice, smooth finish, and a simple, yet solid look and feel overall.
	Hair dryer by Reinhold Weiss, 1964. I’m amazed by the material quality and attention to detail in manufacturing. The glossy white surface, metallic accents, the gray cable, and an overall soft-touch feel of the slightly chamfered edges.
	The incredible LE1 loudspeaker with the Quad electrostatic technology. Designed by Dieter Rams in 1960. Don’t let the form factor fool you, this thing is big. Half the size of a queen size bed!
	One of my personal favorites in this whole bunch, the RT 20, a 3 band radio, designed by Dieter Rams in 1961. Usability at its best. A perfect example of how to establish functional and visual hierarchy via scale, spacing, and a strict grid system. Here’s the black version.
	Similar hierarchy principles apply here. Again by Dieter Rams, this 8 channel B&W TV set is designed in 1965. A close cousin of the RT 20, which was designed only 4 years ago, this one utilizes a similar grid layout. Note the position of the logo.
	Toaster Model HT 1 by Reinhold Weiss. Definitely more straight lines than some of the other examples here, but remarkable nevertheless. Great use of black and white.
	Two desk fans by Reinhold Weiss. I have actually used the one on the left in the past, and I remember how heavy and durable it was. A good combination of plastic and steel. And surprisingly quiet too.
	The pocket radio model T3, by Dieter Rams. I cannot believe that this was designed as early as 1958! I’ll just say this design is without a question the predecessor to the iPod, and its signature click wheel, and I’ll leave it at that. Note the soft color scheme and the extra space around the dial/wheel.

* Update (10/29/07) Speaking of Braun’s successful designs from those years, I should also mention the collaboration with Ulm Hochschule für Gestaltung (Ulm School of Design). As part of the “Ulm Model”, certain “development groups” from the school, composed of faculty members and students, were set up specifically to create links with industry. One of the more successful collaborations was with Braun’s audio equipment division, which resulted in great designs that went into production immediately. The T3 model illustrated above was a product of such a collaboration between Dieter Rams and the HfG in 1958. Another proof of their visionary approach to design back then.