On January 27th 2010 the Apple iPad was announced. I had already produced some web based graphic design but I can say, this day changed the trajectory of my education. In my opinion, the key difference between digital and print is potential. Clearly, there is a much greater opportunity to provide “rich” content using a digital medium. Before the iPad I don’t think digital devices were thought of by the general public as appliances. Refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves ovens and washing machines provide convenient access to a life where everyday tasks are easier to perform. I think the iPad is a symbol of an appliance that provides easy and enjoyable access to content creation and consumption. This is the future that I have spent great deal of effort trying to truly comprehend and embrace for my graphic design education and career.

Otl Aicher was one of the first designers that considered a company holistically.  Whether he was producing marketing materials or branding and identity, he helped companies define their ethos and values.  For Lufthansa he developed everything from the logo mark to the uniforms and flatware to be used on their airlines. He took this comprehensive approach for companies like ERCO, Braun, Bulthaup, BMW and projects like the entire design system for the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Aicher co-founded the Ulm School for Design or Hochschule für Gestaltung (HfG), which was the first to progress the study of visual communication called semiotics (signification and communication including Semantics, Syntactics and Pragmatics)

Possibly Otl Aicher’s most profound undertaking was the 1972 Munich Olympics.  His mission was to re-brand Germany, for the world to see Germany rehabilitated.  His color palette absent of the Nazi’s red and black was cheerful and bright.  Although not the first designer to use pictograms for the olympic games his pictograms were revolutionary.

“a symbol is like a term, an appeal, and not like a description. It is more compact, a conclusion without flourish and coincidence. Otl Aicher from Pictogramme, brochure, unpublished, 1971”

One of the most remarkable attributes of Otl Aicher’s character were his feelings regarding a designers great responsibility to be ethical in thought and practice.  This  philosophy possibly originates in his youth as member of the “White Rose”, a non-violent, anti-war, anti-Nazi resistance group. The tragedy of WWII would form many of Aicher’s philosophies regarding design.

Although I don’t anticipate working on projects with the equivalent scope as Otl Aicher.  I hope to always consider my projects on a holistic level, with integrity, remaining ethical to the Utmost.

— Frank Chimero

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com

Daily Drop Cap is a project I started in September of 2009 in which I illustrate a decorative letter every day (or at least every work day). The project will continue for approximately twelve alphabets and are available for non-commercial use as drop caps on your personal blog. Please visit www.dailydropcap.com to see the full project. - Jessica Hische

front

back