Oliver Reichenstein and design

Oliver Reichenstein is the man behind iA, the famous design studio in Japan.

If you are familiar with the work of iA, you might have detected the somewhat strict design approach it follows. Oliver Reichenstein studied philosophy. I think there’s a connection between the particular design approach and Reichenstein’s background. Philosophy teaches how to be analytical and how to use the analysis you made to reach to solid conclusions. Philosophy also makes you be simple but not too simple. Last but not least, philosophy can add this important bit of cynicism in your life.

Now think a bit about design. Design aims to solve particular problems. The work of iA is focused on how will help a visitor read things, navigate easily and take the most of a website. Not how to make him feel happier.

Now add the prominent design minimalism of Japan.

See? The pixel perfect work of iA is explainable. I love this brave design philosophy. It is obviously important and explains the success of the studio.

By the way, Reichenstein gave an interview to UX Booth recently.

My favourite part:

- What can we learn from Japanese (interaction) design culture?
- Interaction designers should learn from product designers. And in that sense Japan is a little paradise. As much trouble as the Japanese economy is facing, Japanese product design is in many ways still a paradigm of craftsmanship, consideration and care.

Craftsmanship, consideration and care.