ID 2202 1 Neo Functionalism

A postwar design movement (1950s–1970s) emphasizing systems thinking, scientific methodology, and human-centered industrial design

What is Neo-Functionalist Design?

German design school (1953–1968) emphasizing scientific operationalism, teamwork, and systems-based product design

What was the Hochschule für Gestaltung, Ulm?

Integration of science, technology, and design through applied math, prototype testing, and teamwork

What was the “Ulm Model”?

Swiss designer and architect who served as the first director of HfG Ulm and promoted proportion and minimalism

Who was Max Bill?

Modernist campus emphasizing rational planning and modularity

What was the 1955 school building for HfG Ulm?

1955, Max Bill

When and by whom was the HfG Ulm building constructed?

Minimalist timepiece without numerals reflecting functional purity

What was the 1955 Max Bill clock?

Training program teaching applied math and science before design specialization

What was the purpose of the Ulm Basic Course?

Second- and third-year projects involving ergonomics, corporate identity, and real-world collaboration

What did Ulm’s 2nd and 3rd year modules focus on?

Scientific approach combining design theory, teamwork, and data-driven prototyping

What is “scientific operationalism”?

Design model focusing on ergonomics and interaction between users and machines

What was the “human-machine system” project?

Collaborative assignment developing Lufthansa’s corporate image through consistent symbols and design

What was the Ulm “corporate identity project”?

Designer of Lufthansa’s logo (1965) and the 1972 Munich Olympics logo and pictograms

Who was Otl Aicher?

Stylized bird-in-flight logo symbolizing progress and unity

What was the Lufthansa logo (1965)?

Grid-based system of universal symbols setting global graphic standards

What were the Munich Olympic pictograms (1972)?

Ulm designer and Braun collaborator known for modular, rational product design

Who was Hans Gugelot?

Braun designer who defined minimalism with the phrase “Less, but better.”

Who was Dieter Rams?

Philosophy emphasizing simplicity, usability, and refined function

What does “Less, but better.” mean?

Simple ergonomic electric razor by Gugelot, Rams, and Müller

What was the Braun electric razor of 1950?

Updated Braun razor emphasizing modular cleaning and rotating blade technology

What was the Braun electric razor of 1962?

Portable Braun razor with integrated carrying case and minimalist detailing

What was the 1973 Braun razor with case?

Italian designer for Olivetti who created elegant, functional typewriters

Who was Marcello Nizzoli?

Compact, portable manual typewriter combining efficiency and aesthetic refinement

What was the Lettera 22/32 (1950)?

American industrial designer for IBM and corporate systems pioneer

Who was Eliot Noyes?

Streamlined IBM typewriter emphasizing clarity and ease of use

What was the 1953 IBM typewriter?

Typewriter using stationary carriage and rotating “typeball” mechanism

What was the IBM Selectric (1961)?

Stationary carriage and interchangeable typeball

What innovation defined the IBM Selectric typewriter?

Minimal Braun radio emphasizing clarity of function and circular dial organization

What was the 1955 SK2 radio by Dieter Rams?

Portable radio with perforated front and compact usability

What was the 1958 T3 radio by Dieter Rams?

Transparent-lid phonograph nicknamed “Snow White’s Coffin,” combining function and honesty of materials

What was the 1956 SK4 radio/phonograph by Gugelot and Rams?

American visionary who developed geodesic domes and sustainable design concepts

Who was Buckminster Fuller?

Lightweight dome structure achieving maximum strength with minimal materials

What was the 1949 Geodesic Dome?

Three-wheeled aerodynamic car emphasizing spatial efficiency and streamlining

What was the Dymaxion Car (1930s)?

Fuller’s concept of doing “more with less” through advanced technology

What is “ephemeralization”?

Fuller’s metaphor for responsible global resource management

What is “Spaceship Earth”?

Structural principle combining tension and compression for lightweight strength

What is “tensegrity”?

Design education emphasizing teamwork, prototyping, and market testing

What did the “Ulm Model” promote in practice?

Its influence on corporate design, ergonomics, and user-centered design worldwide

What is the legacy of Neo-Functionalist Design?