why 3d printing is a blight for design education. prof. fritz frenkler interview for the rams foundation

rejoice!

bad design is now easier to make than ever before, while truly good products are fading away.

a new interview with our founder, prof. fritz frenkler, was published today by the dieter rams foundation. it cuts through the hype of modern manufacturing to address a specific risk: the “catastrophe” that occurs when digital tools replace the actual discipline of engineering and material science.

prof. frenkler’s point is direct: just because a tool can render a shape doesn’t mean that shape works in the real world. when speed replaces the hard thinking about material limits and structural logic, the result is too often a product that looks good in a presentation but fails in production, usage, or durability.

at f/p design, we keep a close eye on the latest technology, but we don’t let it compromise our responsibility to the user. whether it is 3d printing or ai, these tools can benefit a company—but they can just as easily harm it if the design logic is hollow. if production feasibility or ergonomics are sacrificed for “speed,” the entire investment is at risk.

we are sharing this because these principles define how we work with our partners—ensuring that a project is never just a “fast prototype,” but a high-quality, market-ready reality.

if you are navigating a complex product cycle and want to ensure the result is as durable as it is innovative, we are always open to an exchange. whether it’s a project already in motion or a new vision for the future, let’s ensure the quality holds up.

photo by tum / steven stannard

read the full interview here:

https://rams-foundation.org/magazine/interviews/fritz-frenkler/