“If I had to do it over again, I would not want to be a designer,” odd words from a man many consider to be one of the most seminal designers of the 20th century, but this is what the forthcoming documentary, Rams, reveals about the man. Dieter Rams is a complex and thoughtful individual with an eye firmly focussed on the environmental impact of design, “There are too many unnecessary products in this world,” he says.

For over fifty years, Dieter Rams has been on the most acclaimed and beloved industrial and product designers in the world. His iconic work at Braun and Vitsoe has touched the lives of millions of people and helped shape the narrative of 20th century design itself. So many of us have, or desired to have, a Braun coffeemaker, shaver, stereo, calculator, speakers, or alarm clock. Or an Oral-B toothbrush. Or a Vitsoe 606 shelving system. The list goes on and on.

His work extends beyond the physical realm of his own products of course – having influenced the way most of today’s consumer products look and function. The computer or phone you’re reading this on operates, looks and feels the way it does because of Dieter Rams. Dieter’s “Ten Principles of Good Design,” applies to design theory and practice today more than ever.

Director Gary Hustwit spoke with the notoriously private Dieter in 2008, (for his documentary and IndesignLive favourite Objectified) but was only able to share a small piece of his story. Dieter, now 85, has opened the doors of his life to Gary in an unprecedented move to create the first feature-length documentary about his life and work. As Dieter himself puts it, good design is the least design as possible, and the documentary is simply titled Rams.

Rams will include in-depth conversations with Dieter, and a deep dive into his philosophy, process, inspirations and work. Rams is a documentary on design, but it is also a rumination on consumerism, capitalism, materialism, and sustainability.

The film is set for release later in 2018 and will feature an original score by design-lover and electronic music pioneer Brian Eno.

We think you would appreciate this story that traverses the journey from typewriter to iPad.