This resource was built upon the '10 Commandments' of good design, by Dieter Rams. The commandments was originally meant for product design and written in 1980, but the points can also be applied to web site and application design. Elaboration and notes follows each commandment, to make it easier for you to put the words into practice, and to learn about important parts of design.
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 oppertunities for innovative solutions.
Think outside your box, try a different approach to your problem
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
Make the design focus on the core functions of your product
Epicenter design, designing a screen from the core action of that screen and outwards, is a good practice for making sure you are optimising the utility on each screen.
The aesthetic quality of a product – and the fascination it inspires – is an integral part of 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.
Make the design focus on the core functions of your product
Rams notes that arguing aestehetics is hard, for two reasons – a) it is difficult to talk about anything visual, since words have a different meaning for different people, and b) aesthetic quality deals with details, subtle shades, harmony and the equilibrium of a whole variety of visual elements.
Shadows and light
OS X HCI Guidelines (PDF, page 34)
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.
Make your designs self-explanatory
Sometimes you have to explain functions in your design. Make those explanations context based and inline in your design. Don't refer to a FAQ or manual, but help by example within the same context as the function.
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.
Make your interface clutter free and the users feel like experts
Clear and concise are key elements of a good tool. Don't clutter your interface with can-have functions, make smart choices for your users.
An honestly-designed product must not claim features – more innovative, more efficient, of higher value – it does not have. It must not influence or manipulate buyers and users.
Make your marketing crystal clear, leave no doubt.
The words in your interface, site and or marketing material defines its personality. Take care in picking the right words, descriptive and with a consistent character.d∂
Techniques for Interface Design
Language: The Ultimate User Interface
Calling All Designers: Learn to Write
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.
Practice good craftsmanship, focus on speed an ease of use
Speed, simplicity and fair prices will not go out of fashion. Focus on these valuable permanent features, refine and perfect.
By practicing defensive design, make sure your design can handle any kind of use, and any possible user situation.
Thoroughness and accuracy of design are synonymous with the product and its functions, as seen through the eyes of the user.
Review each element of your design, polish the details
Fellow designers and a few others notices your design details consciously – most people feel the details subconsciously. Stress the details.
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.
Build with the best tools and materials
Produce quality code, stay up to date on conventions and standards – but don't follow them blindly. Never let the code affect the user experience, bad code will shine through.
Back to purity, back to simplicity.
Think twice before adding functionality
Andy Rutledge, in Complex Order, Simple Chaos talks of two process continuums: simple→complex and orderly→chaotic. Try to achieve the best combination of those two, simple order.
Don't cut good functionality to stay simple, focus on order instead – complex order is the second best combination.
Made by Tor Løvskogen Bollingmo