Jag snackade om en trådlös högtalare för din smartphone eller mp3-spelare från Panasonic härför leden. Nu ser jag att den fått ett mindre syskon i form av SC-NA30, en högtalare i samma rena och avskalade stil som storebror SC NA10. En sorts korsning mellan Braun, B&O och Apple, kanske man kan våga sig på att påstå.

Som alla som känner mig vet, så är jag mycket svag för formgivning som följer de regler som Dieter Rams ställde upp, gamle designchefen på Braun under mer än tre decennier. De tål att upprepas, och jag är ledsen att behöva säga att de ytterst sällan följs i Japan. Jag tycker synd om de flesta japanska formgivare, som oftast lever under en tyranni av säljchefer, marknadsföringschefer, tekniska utvecklingschefer och i princip alla andra chefer på företaget. Här är reglerna för god design enligt Rams:

Good design is...

.. innovative.

It does not copy existing product forms, nor does it produce any kind of novelty for the sake of it. The essence of innovation must be clearly seen in all functions of a product. The possibilities in this respect are by no means exhausted. Technological development keeps offering new chances for innovative solutions.

.. useful.

A product is bought in order to be used. It must serve a defined purpose – in both primary and additional functions. The most important task of design is to optimise the utility of a product.

.. aesthetic

The aesthetic quality of a product – and the fascination it inspires – is an integral part of the its utility. Without doubt, it is uncomfortable and tiring to have to put up with products that are confusing, that get on your nerves, that you are unable to relate to. However, it has always been a hard task to argue about aesthetic quality, for two reasons: 

Firstly, it is difficult to talk about anything visual, since words have a different meaning for different people. 

Secondly, aesthetic quality deals with details, subtle shades, harmony and the equilibrium of a whole variety of visual elements. A good eye is required, schooled by years and years of experience, in order to be able to draw the right conclusion.

.. self-explanatory

It clarifies the structure of the product. Better still, it can make the product talk. At best, it is self-explanatory and saves you the long, tedious perusal of the operating manual.

.. unobtrusive

Products that satisfy this criterion are tools. They are neither decorative objects nor works of art. Their design should therefore be both neutral and restrained leaving room for the user’s self-expression.

.. honest

An honestly-designed product must not claim features it does not have – being more innovative, more efficient, of higher value. It must not influence or manipulate buyers and users.

.. durable

It is nothing trendy that might be out-of-date tomorrow. This is one of the major differences between well-designed products and trivial objects for a waste-producing society. Waste must no longer be tolerated.

.. thorough

Thoroughness and accuracy of design are synonymous with the product and its functions, as seen through the eyes of the user.

.. environmentally friendly

Design must contribute towards a stable environment and a sensible use of raw materials. This means considering not only actual pollution, but also the visual pollution and destruction of our environment.

.. as little design as possible

Back to purity, back to simplicity.

Så det så!  En man som vet vad han talar om, DIeter! 

Som avslutning vill jag dock säga att det finns ett ljus i änden av tunneln. Jättar som Sony och Panasonic har verkligen spottat upp sig på designfronten på senare tid, både vad gäller funktion och estetik. Bättre sent än aldrig, och jag hejar på dem och andra som vågar ta steget upp i samma liga som Apple och i viss mån Samsung och LG.

PS.. Detta med Dieter Rams ande uppe i rubriken syftar givetvis på hans inspirerade musa och inget annat. Gubben verkar vara vid god vigör fortfarande, 81 år fyllda.