The ethos of the industrial designer Dieter Rams is this: “Less, but better.”

For over fifty years, Dieter Rams has left an indelible mark on the field of product design and the world at large. He was the chief designer at the German company Braun for decades, and the objects Rams has designed have touched the lives of millions of people–– a Braun coffeemaker, shaver, stereo, or alarm clock. An Oral-B toothbrush. A Vitsoe 606 shelving system.

His work has influenced the way most of today's consumer products look and function. The computer or phone you're reading this on looks the way it does because of Dieter Rams. Ram’s influence also extends to his "Ten Principles of Good Design," a list of edicts that champions simplicity, honesty, and restraint.

Directed by Gary Hustwit, whose movies explore architecture and design and include “Helvetica,” from 2007, the film tells Rams' life story, but is also a rumination on consumerism, materialism, and sustainability. Its style follows its subject’s philosophy about getting rid of distractions and visual clutter and features original music by pioneering musician and producer Brian Eno.