The Braun ET66 calculator manufactured by Braun (1987) is an example of Dieter Rams' (and Dietrich Lubs') design and its continuing influential impact. Most notable of all contemporary homages to Rams' designs from the 1950s through to the 1990s is Jonathan Ive's recent work for Apple products. In this case the imitation, 20 years later, of the ET66 calculators numeric and function keypad in the Apple iPhone calculator application (2007).

Rams became director of design at Braun soon after joining the firm in the mid 1950s and retained that role until retirement in the mid 1990s. Early in this tenure Rams was able to oversee a transition from Braun product design collaboration with Hans Gugelot and the Ulm school to in house management of design by Braun with collaborations with some of Europe's most recognised names in product design including - Otl Aicher, Hans Gugleot, Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Gerd Alfred Muller, Reinhold Weiss, Dietrich Lubs, Jurgen Greubel, Robert Oberheim.

Jonathan Ive has acknowledged that the Apple design lab adheres to Rams' design philosophy and his 10 principles of good design.

Campbell Bickerstaff, 2011

Designed by Dieter Rams and Dietrich Lubs for Braun AG, Germany, made in Hong Kong, 1987.

The Braun ET66 calculator follows Dieter Rams' design ethos as encapsulated in his ten principles of good design:

Is innovative
Makes a product useful
Is aesthetic
Makes a product understandable
Is unobtrusive
Is honest
Is long-lasting
Is thorough down to the last detail
Is environmentally friendly
Is as little design as possible

The specific history of this calculator is unknown.

Calculator, Braun ET66, plastic / metal / electronic components / paper, designed by Dieter Rams and Dietrich Lubs, for Braun AG, Germany, made in Hong Kong, 1987

A four function calculator made of black plastic, including a case, with round numeric and function keys. Complete with original packaging and instruction leaflet.

Designed: 1987

Made: 1987

See part records for marks.

2012/33/1

1987