Renowned industrial designer Dieter Rams has been awarded the prestigious 2025 World Design Medal by the World Design Organization (WDO). This recognition, announced on September 9, 2025, acknowledges Rams’ profound influence on the field of industrial design, marking a significant moment during the World Design Congress held in London, United Kingdom.
Rams, who served as Head of Design at Braun for 34 years and co-founded the furniture company Vitsœ in 1959, is celebrated for his commitment to clarity, functionality, and timelessness in design. His Ten Principles of Good Design have become guiding tenets for designers across various disciplines, shaping the development of everything from consumer products to digital interfaces.
WDO President Thomas Garvey praised Rams, stating, “Few designers have left a mark as indelible as Dieter Rams. His unwavering and long-standing commitment to design integrity has not only shaped the objects around us but also the very values of our profession.” This statement highlights Rams’ enduring legacy, which continues to challenge and inspire designers worldwide.
The selection process for the award involved a thorough review by the World Design Medal Selection Committee, composed of WDO’s Board of Directors and Senators. They recognized Rams’ lifetime achievements that have redefined the standards of design practice. Reflecting on his honor, Rams emphasized the importance of international collaboration, stating, “Internationality has always been very important to me. Only through free, honest, and collegial international dialogue and cooperation will we be able to shape our world sensibly in the future.”
The award presentation was conducted on Rams’ behalf by Prof. Dr. Klaus Klemp, Managing Director of the Dieter and Ingeborg Rams Foundation. The event underscores the significance of Rams’ contributions to the design world, highlighting the impact of his philosophy on both emerging and established designers.
The World Design Medal was established in 2017 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of industrial design. The accolade recognizes the influence a designer has on their peers, local communities, and the global design landscape. For further details about the World Design Medal and its recipients, interested parties can visit the WDO’s official website at wdo.org/programmes/world-design-medal.
As the design community reflects on Rams’ achievements, his principles continue to resonate, reinforcing the importance of thoughtful and human-centered design in an ever-evolving world.
