10 Design Principles for a Better World
Intro
Every designer has heard of Dieter Rams. His famous Ten Principles for Good Design are world renown and have been a key consideration in the design of many products we know and recognise today. However, they were written in 1976 – a world without the internet, at a time when climate change wasn’t in the daily headlines.
So we’ve updated them.
Better suited to today’s world, these refreshed principles aim to encourage designers to think more about what they ‘should’ do and not just about what they ‘can’. It is vital that as founders, creators, makers and even marketers, we start to question the reason for things to exist and explore what the world might look like if they didn’t.
01
Good design has a reason to exist
No more designing for design’s sake, every product must have a valid reason to be brought into the world and we must consider the rationale for each aspect of that product throughout the design process.
02
Good design is inclusive
A diverse design team produces better outcomes. A wider range of viewpoints is likely to identify more challenges and opportunities not just for improving sustainability, but for meeting the needs of a wider audience.
03
Good design is built on honesty
Honesty and transparency is key, between manufacturer, designer, brand and consumer. We need to be able to understand the environmental implications of the decisions that we make in order to take responsibility for them.
04
Good design is thorough through to end-of-life
Design considers both the creation, use and destruction of products and works to minimise the impact of each stage of the life cycle.
05
Good design is designed for appropriate lifespan
Design should be long-lasting where there is likelihood of it remaining relevant and desirable by the user. In which case avoid trends, design for upgrade or adaptability. Otherwise design for a finite life and ensure that the product does not remain on the planet forever.
06
Good design is intuitive
Over complicated design features and functionality which confuse the user, or require prior knowledge, prevent the user both using the product and passing it on to someone else.
07
Good design is people and planet-centred
Whilst we design for users, if we do not put the needs of our planet at the center of our design process we are effectively putting those same people at risk.
08
Good design encourages positive behaviour change
The influence of our work should extend beyond its use, we should endeavour to affect positive behaviour change in our users.
09
Good design is beautiful
Designs should bring joy to the user both through aesthetic and user experience.
10
Good design is considered down to the last detail
The level of care and attention to detail in an object is apparent and results in an affinity and appreciation that builds a longer lasting relationship between user and product.
About
Morrama is an industrial design and innovation consultancy based in Hackney, London, UK. Headed up by Creative Director Jo Barnard, they are a multi-award winning team with experience in tech, consumer and packaging design. With a drive to create meaningful products and experiences with a genuine reason to exist, they recognise the importance of putting both people and planet at the centre of their design process.
We’ve put these together in the hope that it encourages anyone involved in bringing products or services to market to take a step back and think a little harder about whether they are doing the right thing in the best way.
Get in touch
Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or consultancy on how you can implement these principles into your business, get in touch!