One Book EVERY Designer Should Own

A review of one of my all-time favorite books; one I think every designer should own. Part review and part personal reflection, it's a continuation of my previous video on goal setting. As I struggled with my traditional goal setting exercise this year, I stumbled on a new methodology and consulted this formative book in my library about the life and work of Dieter Rams for guidance. It's a book I think should be in every designer's collection and in this video I share how it's shaped my architecture practice and my approach to life.
I view books as the raw materials of creativity. Looking at and learning from the work of others is crucial to the development of your personal style and I encourage sampling from every possible source you can: graphic designers, authors, engineers, sculptors, every field relies on some measure of creativity. The deeper your understanding of what’s out there the more source material you have to draw upon and the more things you can smash together to craft your own style.
Dieter Rams designed more than 500 products over his forty-two-year career at Braun; he’s regarded as one of the most influential industrial designers of the 20th century yet the path that led him there was anything but premeditated. The happenstance of it is as empowering as it is unsettling. This volume explains the history and events that shaped his personal esthetic.
Be sure to add this book to your library for context, depth and to understand the true measure of Herr Rams' contribution to the design world. Study it, not to replicate his style (you don’t want to look like him) but to see like him.
And a special thanks to my grandfather, whose counsel I miss each day, but who will always live on in my studio and work.
// GEAR I USE //
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STARTUP TOOLKIT:
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Please watch: "Making a Site Model - The Outpost Project"
• Making a Site Model - ...
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[@30by40]

Check my influencer page for links to this book and other merch: www.amazon.com/shop/30x40designworkshop

[@scholzdigital]

30X40 Design Workshop couldn’t find the book in your list

[@munzirshaikhoun5113]

Your channel is a genuine source of inspiration. many times I randomly open one of your videos when I'm feeling stuck, bored or uninspired during whichever work I'm doing, and all of a sudden the passion and inspiration battery is completely restored. Thank you very much Eric

[@michelletrott7089]

I appreciate each and every video you post. It has a poetic nature to it that inspires the individual watching it. I plan to go in the direction of interior architecture. However, each piece of advice you offer applies just the same. Thank you for this. I plan on ordering a copy of this book for extra inspiration. ✌🏾

[@nasseralajmi5259]

my humble design principles are 1-The simplicity. 2- The background story 3- The concept 4- The love. 5- The functionality.

[@30by40]

much respect...thanks for sharing...

[@analizarraga6383]

Really inspiring!

[@nasseralajmi5259]

Ana Lizarraga thanks I got it fixed.

[@fabroc8]

My principle is to sit down and do the work, and then stop. Let the inspiration find me working instead of wait for it. To be creative is to be human, we all are, whether we know it or not. We use our imagination more often than we think, but to sit down and avoid procrastination, now THAT IS HARD. I would add several of Juhani Pallassmaa's books to your list of must have architect books regarding creativity :) Great video as usual!

[@30by40]

agree 100%...time in chair always produces the best results... cheers...

[@ko-biko]

Dieter Rams and some of the Bauhaus masters have influenced and changed my life in so many ways. "Less but Better" has literally become my life ethos. Happy you chose this book. It's standing here in my Vitsoe 606 and there are only few weeks in which I don't open it.

[@30by40]

comforting having this book around...and the Vitsœ 606 there isn't a more fitting companion!

[@CaptainSallyPoo]

Great color grading in this video. Thank you for sharing. I suppose I was talking about this with my sister yesterday. I went to paint and Everytime I go to paint I get wildly nervous that I'm going to mess it up. When I'm doing larger paintings I get nervous but, I normally do everything on a much smaller scale so I've already determined what needs to be adjusted. & I'm slow. But, somehow that creates a pretty good combination for something good

[@Frank79811]

love your in-depth book review.

[@swathis3517]

Thank you for your invaluable advice and suggestions! I hope to add this book to my home library soon :)

[@30by40]

gladly...i think you'll really enjoy the book...cheers...

[@mritsa7]

Your videos have given me an excellent idea of what's to come after I get my degree. Definitely recommending your channel to my friends. Keep up the good work.

[@nikhilsharma7839]

I don't read many books, Eric although has a way of convincing me out of my comfort zone. Thanks for this amazing content!

[@byDevCreates]

I love your channel. It's so inspiring. In my first year I wasn't sure if i wanted to do architecture and was actually thinking of dropping out. Your channel made me realize the potential of being an architect and helped me ground myself to it, and actually try harder also using your videos are guidance. I'm now in my second year and I absolutely love the fact I carried on. I may not hit the grades as high as I wanted, but i definitely have seen myself improve. I just want to say thank you, and if it is possible, to make a request. Precedent is one thing i thoroughly struggle with, my tutors want something deeper than 'it just looks nice'. I understand what they mean but I've never been able to get my head around it. Is it possible if you upload a video using precedent for inspiration / influence to a design and how you should analyse it to aid your design. Thanks once again! As always, looking forward to future content.

[@30by40]

kind words my friend...many thanks...

[@ace-cq9bp]

I had a class where my professor randomly assigned us designers to research and make a poster inspired on. I was assigned Dieter Rams and fell in love with his persona and work. It changed the way I saw design itself. Very inspiring. I recommend everyone to look for his biography.

[@stevemechamoo9475]

Another great informative video. I design equipment in the aggregate and mining industries. I once modeled the external guarding of a conveyor to look like the viper class ship in Battlestar Galactica. The customer loved it.

[@30by40]

respect. that's some genius hot-rodding.

[@berekettezera]

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes, Art is knowing which ones to keep. - Scott Adams I'm always making new mistakes. In every of my designs, I'm constantly trying to make new mistakes, knowing which ones to keep and which ones not to in the process.

[@30by40]

love the adams quote...thanks for sharing!

[@Nazreen]

2:05 "the transformation of human life over time" excellent eric, keep going!

[@zorngottes1778]

Dieter Rams was Professor on the "Hochschule für bildende Künste Kamburg" where I studied architecture, the worst university You can imagine. Nothing happend except You made it happen. And this was the real quality of this school. I still love and hate this art school. I think everybody who finished his studies after mostly a very long time feels like this. There were other great teachers and artists on that school. Thank You for showing this book.

[@30by40]

you were a student of Dieter Rams then?

[@DanielSilva-gf4kk]

I always find your videos inspiring. On a different note, I have to thank you because I got one of your advice (making a portfolio online instead of a PDF), and it certainly helped me on my job search. (Starting my new job soon :D) I will keep lookin out for these great vids. Once more, thanks and cheers! 🤘

[@30by40]

congrats man...fantastic...\m/

[@remadodi4982]

I like the way u present things and how close u r to ur subscribers. Thanks for sharing useful informations 🖒

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

I always find myself saying 'less is more' or 'simple says more' when I'm working. It applies when I"m designing or writing for work. On the design side I want to be efficient in terms of materials and the time needed for construction. 'Simple says more' is about communicating meaning or purpose with as little as you can get away with. The book looks great and I can't wait to add this to my library.

[@Jake-pu8yp]

Broooooo absolutely nailed that video!!

[@UndercoverArchitect]

I love the idea of “Less but better”. I often share with my online community that “Bigger is not better. Quality over quantity will improve your everyday life, every time.” In a really noisy world, in all industries, it can be hard to sift and filter. I find most of what I do for people is help them simplify, and get back to what will really matter, and make a difference for them in their homes (and lives). Thanks for this review :)

[@30by40]

Appreciate the heavy lifting you're doing, spreading this message where it matters most. Cheers Amelia...!

[@archchina4705]

I really love that idea of " less is beauty ". Frank L.W insist much on that. + I like the way you finish your video by saying," cheers my friends". It's so cool 😎. Nice video. Keep on the good work.

[@30by40]

much respect...

[@johnbeatty5819]

Great as always. Thanks.

[@30by40]

appreciate it...

[@Willz0070]

They have been helpful. Thanks

[@marizuonwu4172]

I knew it! This might be the final push I needed to get this book, hopefully I can get it soon.

[@30by40]

do it!

[@jannatmirza4243]

I have this book & available too

[@allemyr]

God Jul! Merry Christmas, thank you for your great content on this channel!

[@zorngottes1778]

Have a look at GDR design, astonishing beautiful works.

[@Zoot1343]

I have it in my studio, thx. One of my favourites is ‘Anonymous’ by Leonardo Ricci. Cheers, Adam.

[@30by40]

i'll have to check this one out...thanks Adam...!

[@maheenchhipa7255]

I used to watch every single video of this channel, it's very helpful 💜

[@30by40]

thanks for watching...cheers...

[@Willz0070]

Thank you for your videos

[@Thewoxter]

I am happy I subscribed. Well done.

[@sagarikasengupta6506]

That was certainly an inspiring video. I believe design principles aren't set in stone. They change constantly. They evolve over time and change with experience. However, a design should always tell a story. It should speak for itself. A design that reflects the design process elegantly in a way that its users can understand and relate to, is good design.

[@badooral-holibi2281]

My favourite channels 👐

[@30by40]

appreciate you my friend...

[@raphael9339]

I prefer the phase - 'Less is more'. Simplification is the key!

[@matheuszotti1509]

Amazing video, my friend.

[@MrLeifyGreenz]

My own design process, also inspired by Dieter. It's geared more towards architecture. 1.Alive 2.Versatile 3.Contextual 4.Innovative 5.Adaptable 6.Reusable 7.Sustainable 8.Aesthetic 9.Collaborative 10.Timeless In following these principles I hope to achieve a holistic result.

[@elzilanecarvalho398]

Hey! Is there a chance you'd be talking about how to deal with clients? How to ask them good questions during an interview so you can meet their goals?

[@30by40]

i'll see what i can do...so many topics...so little time! thanks for your suggestion...

[@elzilanecarvalho398]

I know! Hahha but, since school doesn't teach these soft skills, I thought it would be nice to hear back from you. Your channel has really helped see things between the lines of architecture. Cheers from Brazil!

[@garahichem9003]

I like so much reading books of architecture, i feel my self-progressing while reading, i want to ask you how much reading books is efficient for progressing, is it the best way for architects? How much an architect needs to read by daily? Especially with the limited time because of work. I find myself lost with the big number of books in various subjects; Famous architects works, Design concepts, construction, planning…….. How to choose the best ?? And finally what are the best ways for self-progress as an Architect. Thanks a lot

[@vijayarya9528]

Thank you all very mch

[@AJNABINASHEED]

which book or tuts are good to make professional architecture drawing ? THNKX

[@bottegaarchitecture7826]

Well, I did not realize I blew the surprise, forgive me, I will refrain from guessing in future videos :) A great review of this book though, having already owned it and drooled over the pages of his magnificent simplicity, Rams is truly a great designer and thinker. I also appreciate his humbleness and openness when it comes to giving credit to his team members that worked with him through the years on many of those great products/projects, sometimes forgotten in the Architectural industry. And by the way, I agree with the title of the book and the title of this video. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@30by40]

cheers my friend...i had a good laugh when you guessed it...! thanks for contributing here...really appreciate it...

[@niall_o_donovan]

'Magnificent simplicity'... yes...YES !

[@mirnestulic5512]

Great recommendation! - on a sidenote, I couldn't help but notice the 'God Jul' in the picture of your grandfather.. means 'Merry Christmas' in scandinavian.. which made me wonder if you have a scandinavian background? :)

[@30by40]

ja...my grandfather was from Norway... tusen tak!

[@mirnestulic5512]

Ah, Cool! Well, in that case.. Jeg er stor fan af din kanal! ;) greetings from Denmark!

[@ashutoshagrawal4103]

Hey Eric, I remember one of your videos showing the apps you use during site visit, couldn't find it can u share the link

[@andresrosero9586]

Hello, I just subscribed to your channel and there is really value information different from a lot you find in the web. I´m an architect and I live in

[@adrielrowley]

Right now, my three principles are: environmentally ethical, sustainable, and efficient. Not in the simplistic but in the complex meanings. Probably could easily right a whole essay on just this, but why and not like it could be read?

[@jsaenz5968]

Elements of Architecture by Koolhaas, in my opinion it is not just a book with a great and deep content of almost the genealogy of the elemental achitectural elements, but a piece of art, its design, its images, colors... it makes me overthing how we as a designers and architects must think.

[@mabelhermes6479]

Beautiful

[@0katmandude0]

design principles are difficult to discern, though I try to stick to the principles set down by Alvar alto, Piano and the Bauhaus. I guess My biggest hero is Peter Zumthor and I will always try to follow his teachings.

[@30by40]

zumthor is legend...much respect...

[@zorngottes1778]

I own his Braun radio Schneewittchensarg, may be his masterpiece.

[@30by40]

slightly jealous...

[@uhAzlohPSN]

What books do you recommend for me to buy first? I’m in grade 10 and I’m trying to learn a lot before I go to university.

[@30by40]

Check this video: Architecture Books (essentials) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eF7CgqeBoZp8obc (specifically the Francis Ching rec.)

[@rpsrivas3651]

Mine is to just create and competition to my self

[@jjjames4484]

Another great video mate. It would be to much to ask, if we could, have a skype, or disqus call or anyway that we could talk about architecture?. I feel, as today goes, that I don't have anyone with whome to discuss about some subtleties that architecture design has. Most of my student companions doesnt love it that much or even care to talk about if it's not a homework. My teachers... many tell me to wait to a more advanced year of the career to even ask those things, others just get pissed of. Those who I consider can anwserme or be of help almost never have the time. One time, I even ask a professional architect, wich happened to be a friend of mine from highschool, how does it feel to live from what you love? How you start a design? what inspires you? Any anecdote she could share... the anwser was: "I don't like to talk about work if it's not in the workplace..." I just couldn't believe it. I mean... that was the kindda things I used to hear when I was working at a callcenter. Why would anyone study any career if isn't because you love it with all your soul...

[@csnel4432]

Not much of a use in your climatic region, but the work of WOHA and their general philosophies around design and the environment is a great read. The book's named, Garden City Mega City, Rethinking Cities for the age of Global Warming. In the book they cover key ratio's that should be implemented into creating Mega Cities that is human centric and self sustaining. These are: - Green Plot Ratio - Community Plot Ratio - Civic Generosity Index - Ecosystem Contribution Index - Self-Sufficiency Index: Energy, Food, Water.

[@30by40]

interesting...thanks for sharing...they work on a scale I don't often encounter...

[@litoboy5]

GREAT

[@t.kuykendall517]

❤️

[@alexforeshew8882]

Less but better; translated from quality over quantity? Good saying to keep in the forefront of design

[@30by40]

\m/

[@javierjimenez5736]

make a review video about your plotter please!!!?!?!?!

[@kadenkerste8478]

Hi eric I've been watching your videos for a while and if you don't get to this I understand but I'm colorblind and I was wondering can I be a colorblind architect

[@uhAzlohPSN]

I want to become an architect super bad but I’m not really good at math ;(

[@archchina4705]

Iniyan3d You don't need to be that good in math to become an architect. Creativity and logical thinking on problems is enough. Leave the numbers to the so called "Engineers". Peace my friend ✌️

[@jacobntshwene5129]

Just go for it. I wanted to part of this industry also, but i wasn't good with math. I enrolled for my undergraduate anyways and made sure that i would learn as much as i can to get through and I actually did graduate. Now i am learning as much as i can and how to survive in this industry as freshman. Again just go for it, you'll keep solving all the obstacles you come across them. It's not easy but it's worth it. Cheers

[@30by40]

Here's a video where I answer this exact question in detail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHLKpqyPerl1g8k (I think you'll be surprised by the answer)

[@monai9560]

it's okay, i'm not good at math but still i'm doing architecture in high level. architecture is more about the creativity, if you have a one, go for it, and you will be what you wish to be.

[@uhAzlohPSN]

Thanks everyone!

[@priyagoyal9112]

Sir can i get personal lessons from you, I have done diploma in interior design.

[@davidbona6162]

my doctrine: avoid the banal resist the mundane create through transformation of the ordinary instill delight, order and craft dismiss the exotic embrace the hand-hewn define space establish path discourage waste and opulence refrain from excess find form at the essence of function simplify

[@chrisr.2013]

It's not clear what the book is called.

[@30by40]

see 0:09 - 0:15s and 2:35 and the cards for the links...(Dieter Rams: As Little Design As Possible)

[@jeronbaxter]

The Bible. Intelligent design.

[@thomaslusty7032]

Response to economics is the only "suceessfull" design philosophy of this era.. No one wants to build a Taj Mahal again..

[@30by40]

thanks for sharing your philosophy...

[@Elwehbii186]

your design must be talkative in the most silent way.

[@zorngottes1778]

Immer wieder: Deutschland

[@30by40]

\m/

[@aaron___6014]

Enough of Rams already

[@adrielrowley]

Right now, my three principles are: environmentally ethical, sustainable, and efficient. Not in the simplistic but in the complex meanings. Probably could easily right a whole essay on just this, but why and not like it could be read?