In the world of industrial design, few principles have stood the test of time like those set forth by Dieter Rams. Among his “Ten Principles of Good Design,” one stands out for its quiet power and enduring relevance: “Good design is as little design as possible.” This idea champions simplicity, honesty, and restraint—a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the ethos behind Active Birth Pools.
At Active Birth Pools, we design water birth pools not just as products, but as environments. Our pools support one of life’s most natural and transformative events: childbirth. This is not a time or place for gimmicks, clutter, or over-engineering. Instead, our focus is on creating objects that are intuitive, purposeful, and deeply respectful of the experience they’re designed to serve.
Form Follows Function—And Empathy
When we say “as little design as possible,” we’re not talking about doing less. We’re talking about doing only what’s essential—and doing it beautifully. Every curve, surface, and contour of an Active Birth Pool is there for a reason. There is no ornamentation, no unnecessary elements added to make a statement. The pool’s elegant, organic form is shaped entirely by the physiological needs of women in labour and the practical requirements of midwives and clinical staff.
The result is a design that feels as natural as the process it supports. It invites instinctive use and makes sense without explanation. This is design that understands the moment and quietly serves it.
Design That Disappears Into the Experience
Our goal is not to impress with visible complexity but to enable a powerful experience through simplicity. When a woman enters an Active Birth Pool, she shouldn’t be thinking about the product; she should be free to focus entirely on herself and her baby. The pool becomes part of the background—supportive, safe, unobtrusive. It’s not a showpiece; it’s a silent partner in birth.
This kind of “invisible” design is only possible when everything unnecessary is stripped away. What remains is the essence—a sculptural yet practical space that feels calm, grounded, and purposeful.
Integrated, Not Added-On
Good design does not bolt on features. It integrates them. At Active Birth Pools, every element—whether it’s a hand grip, step, or recessed area for medical access—is part of the form itself. There are no visible seams, fixtures, or accessories that suggest improvisation. Everything flows together in a unified whole, contributing to both safety and aesthetics.
This seamless integration also supports infection control and long-term durability—crucial factors in hospital environments. But more than that, it’s a commitment to clarity and coherence in design.
Material Honesty and Tactile Comfort
We select materials not just for their performance but for their sensory qualities. The finish of our pools is smooth, warm, and inviting to the touch. It’s easy to clean, gentle against the skin, and psychologically comforting—a key consideration for women in labour.
This is another way we practice “as little design as possible.” We let the materials speak for themselves, choosing those that support the function and the feeling without the need for artificial textures or decorative layering.
Quiet Confidence in a Clinical World
In hospital settings, design can often be sterile or overbearing. By contrast, Active Birth Pools offer a quiet confidence. Their presence in a room is understated yet reassuring. They don’t try to dominate the space; they help define it with dignity and grace.
This sense of calm and order is not just aesthetic—it’s functional. A well-designed pool reduces stress, supports natural movement, and allows midwives to work more effectively. In this way, minimal design becomes a powerful tool for improving outcomes.
Conclusion: Less, But Better
At its core, “good design is as little design as possible” is about restraint, intention, and clarity. It’s about stripping away the noise to let the true purpose shine through. This philosophy is not a style—it’s a discipline. And it’s one we practice daily at Active Birth Pools.
By honouring the principle of minimal design, we’ve created birth pools that are not only clinically superior and user-friendly, but emotionally supportive and deeply human. In a world of overdesigned solutions, our pools stand as a quiet reminder: sometimes, the best design is the one you don’t notice at all.
Key performance metrics for hospital grade water birth pools
Water birth pools specially designed to give midwives superior safety, comfort and support
