Design and Concept Exploration
Go down the rabbit hole of design inspiration.
Timeless Design : Dieter Rams
In a world where trends come and go at lightning speed, certain design philosophies endure. Dieter Rams, the legendary German industrial designer, is one such figure whose work has transcended decades. Known for his "less, but better" approach, Rams’ influence can be seen everywhere from your smartphone to your kitchen appliances.
Dieter Rams served as the Chief Design Officer for Braun from 1961 to 1995, during which he created some of the most iconic products in industrial design history. From the sleek aesthetics of the Braun SK 4 radio-phonograph to the functional elegance of the 606 Universal Shelving System for Vitsoe, Rams’ work set a standard for clarity, simplicity, and usability.
But Rams’ legacy extends far beyond his products. He is most famous for formulating his Ten Principles for Good Design, which have become a manifesto for designers around the world.
Rams’ principles are as relevant today as when they were first articulated.
Good design is innovative. It pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, using technology to create something new.
Good design makes a product useful. Functionality is at the core; beauty follows purpose.
Good design is aesthetic. It pleases the senses and enhances the experience of the product.
Good design makes a product understandable. The design should clearly convey how the product works.
Good design is unobtrusive. It serves its purpose without dominating the user’s attention.
Good design is honest. It doesn’t exaggerate the product’s capabilities or features.
Good design is long-lasting. It avoids being trendy and remains relevant over time.
Good design is thorough down to the last detail. Nothing is arbitrary; every element has a purpose.
Good design is environmentally friendly. It minimizes waste and conserves resources.
Good design is as little design as possible. It embraces simplicity and focuses only on what’s essential.
In an era dominated by digital interfaces and rapid consumerism, Rams’ principles serve as a much-needed reminder of the importance of intentionality in design. Tech giants like Apple owe much of their design DNA to Rams—Jonathan Ive, Apple’s former Chief Design Officer, has cited Rams’ work as a significant influence on products like the iPod and iPhone.
But Rams’ influence goes beyond tech. His emphasis on sustainability and longevity has become increasingly relevant in today’s discussions about climate change and ethical consumption. In a world of planned obsolescence, Rams’ insistence on creating products that last feels almost revolutionary.
Dieter Rams’ philosophy is more than just a framework for design; it’s a way of thinking about how we interact with the objects around us. His work challenges us to prioritize clarity, simplicity, and sustainability, making his ideas as vital today as they were in the mid-20th century.
Spirit of Ghost Ranch: Georgia O’Keeffe
Nestled in the rugged beauty of northern New Mexico, Georgia O’Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch studio stands as more than just a workspace—it’s a physical manifestation of the artist’s profound connection to the land. For over four decades, O’Keeffe painted the sweeping vistas, dramatic cliffs, and sun-bleached bones of the desert surrounding her studio, forging a legacy that tied her art indelibly to this landscape. The story of her time at Ghost Ranch reveals how place can inspire creativity, offering lessons for artists and designers seeking their own wellspring of inspiration.
O’Keeffe first visited Ghost Ranch in 1934, captivated by its otherworldly beauty. The vibrant cliffs, ranging from ochre to rust-red, and the vast skies seemed to echo the minimalist forms she sought in her work. A few years later, she acquired a small adobe house on the ranch, which she lovingly transformed into her sanctuary. The studio was both practical and poetic—a space designed for work, but also a vantage point to observe the surrounding landscape. From her windows, O’Keeffe could see the Pedernal, the flat-topped mountain that would become a recurring subject in her paintings, symbolizing a deep, personal connection to the land.
Ghost Ranch wasn’t just a backdrop for O’Keeffe’s art; it was integral to her process. She often ventured out into the desert with a sketchpad or paint box, gathering bones, rocks, and other natural objects to study in her studio. These found objects became central motifs in her work, blending the intimate and the monumental. Her paintings of bleached animal skulls, juxtaposed against vibrant skies, exemplify how she transformed the starkness of the desert into something transcendent.
The studio itself was a reflection of O’Keeffe’s minimalist ethos. Clean lines, simple furnishings, and large windows framed the landscape like living paintings. This harmonious integration of interior and exterior mirrors her artistic approach: distilling the essence of her environment into works that are both bold and meditative. Her time at Ghost Ranch reminds us that creating a space tailored to our needs—one that resonates with our personal aesthetic—can be a powerful catalyst for creativity.
Today, Ghost Ranch remains a source of inspiration for visitors from around the world. Whether through her paintings or the stories of her life there, O’Keeffe’s studio continues to embody the transformative power of connecting deeply with place. For creatives, it’s a reminder to seek out environments that spark imagination and to let those surroundings infuse our work with meaning and authenticity.
Landscapes of Memory: Alexandra Kehayoglou
In a world dominated by fast design and fleeting trends, Alexandra Kehayoglou’s art is a breath of timeless air. Known for her lush, hand-tufted textile landscapes, the Argentine artist transforms wool into works that evoke the raw beauty of nature and the deep roots of cultural memory. Her rugs are not just art; they are tactile invitations to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine.
The Journey from Craft to Art
Kehayoglou’s journey began in her family’s carpet-making business, where she learned the traditional techniques of weaving. But instead of following the well-trodden path of utilitarian rugs, she turned the craft into a form of environmental storytelling.
Her signature works, like No Longer Creek and Santa Cruz River, recreate threatened landscapes in painstaking detail. These pieces aren’t just visually stunning; they are deeply personal, functioning as acts of preservation in the face of ecological loss.
Lessons in Texture and Perspective
For designers, Kehayoglou’s work offers a masterclass in bridging the gap between the tactile and the conceptual:
Material as Message: By using wool—an organic, sustainable material—her work speaks to the interconnectedness of humans and nature.
Details Tell the Story: The undulating surfaces and intricate textures of her rugs invite viewers to explore them with both their eyes and hands, proving that details matter in creating immersive experiences.
Art with Purpose: Kehayoglou doesn’t just create beauty for its own sake; she raises awareness about environmental destruction, turning her art into a call to action.
Finding Inspiration in Alexandra’s Approach
Kehayoglou reminds us that inspiration often lies in revisiting our roots. By blending her heritage with a contemporary perspective, she’s carved a niche that feels both ancient and urgent.
As creatives, we can draw from her example by asking ourselves:
How can we honor tradition while innovating?
How can our designs engage more than just the visual sense?
What stories can our work preserve or bring to life?
A Walk Through the World, One Thread at a Time
Alexandra Kehayoglou’s rugs are more than beautiful objects; they are acts of care and commitment. They encourage us to slow down, to trace the threads of our own stories, and to create with purpose.
So next time you’re considering your next design or project, think of Kehayoglou’s landscapes. Ask yourself: what terrain—literal or metaphorical—can you bring to life?
As Kehayoglou weaves with purpose, so can we. What story will your designs tell?
Mastermind of Mazes: Adrian Fisher
Mazes have fascinated humanity for centuries, symbols of mystery, exploration, and the thrill of discovery. But for Adrian Fisher, they are more than a pastime—they are a canvas for creativity. Recognized globally as a pioneer in maze design, Fisher has redefined the labyrinthine landscape, crafting experiences that inspire curiosity and connection.
A Legacy of Curves and Turns
With over 700 mazes in 40 countries to his name, Adrian Fisher is the Picasso of puzzling pathways. From hedge mazes and mirror mazes to water and light installations, his work blends art, engineering, and storytelling. Each maze is more than a series of dead ends and decisions; it’s a journey into the unexpected.
One of his most celebrated designs is the "Mirror Maze of Infinite Intrigue" in England, a stunning blend of optical illusions and architecture. The design challenges visitors to question their perception while celebrating the simple joy of play.
Fisher’s work offers profound insights for creators of any discipline:
Design with Emotion: Every maze Fisher designs evokes wonder and anticipation, reminding us that emotional engagement transforms design into an experience.
Solve Problems Creatively: His ability to combine traditional elements like hedges with modern technology demonstrates how innovation can revitalize the familiar.
Think in Layers: Like the twists and turns of a maze, Fisher’s creations reveal the value of designing with depth, encouraging exploration.
Inspiration in Every Turn
As designers, we often search for that spark—a fresh idea that feels as limitless as the corridors of Fisher’s creations. Mazes remind us to embrace challenges, seeing them not as barriers but as opportunities to create.
Next time you’re stuck in the proverbial labyrinth of a creative project, consider this: what would Adrian Fisher do? Would he add a mirror, a surprise, a perspective shift? Would he let the walls tell a story?
How can you incorporate the spirit of a maze into your designs? Whether it’s through layering narratives, building intrigue, or fostering exploration, Fisher’s work shows us that curiosity is the ultimate guide.
In the words of Fisher himself: “A maze is not about finding your way—it’s about enjoying getting lost.”