01

Swiss Design Internationale Typographische Stil

Origin Switzerland, 1950s
Pioneers Müller-Brockmann, Ruder, Hofmann
Principle Form Follows Function

Systematic layouts, mathematical precision, and objective communication through clean typography and grid-based organization.

02

Design Philosophy

2.1

Systematic Organization

Mathematical grid systems and modular scales create logical, predictable layouts that prioritize information hierarchy and user comprehension.

2.2

Objective Communication

Design serves functional communication over personal expression, eliminating decorative elements that don't support the message.

2.3

Rational Clarity

Clean typography, limited color palettes, and precise spacing create interfaces that feel trustworthy and professionally competent.

03

Core Principles

3.1

Grid-Based Layouts

Invisible grid infrastructure coordinates all elements through mathematical relationships, creating consistency and visual rhythm across different content types.

3.2

Typography Hierarchy

Mathematical scale relationships and neutral sans-serif typefaces create clear information hierarchy through size, weight, and positioning rather than color or decoration.

Heading 1
Heading 2
Body Text
Small Text
3.3

Functional Color

Limited palettes emphasizing black, white, and gray with strategic accent colors that serve communication purposes rather than decoration.

3.4

Asymmetrical Balance

Dynamic compositions achieved through careful positioning along grid lines, creating visual tension while maintaining overall harmony and readability.

04

Interactive Showcase

Swiss Interface Elements

4.1 Buttons

4.2 Interactive Cards

Systematic Design

Grid-based organization with mathematical precision

Clean Typography

Neutral fonts with clear hierarchy relationships

4.3 Data Visualization

Clarity
Function
System
05

Key Elements

5.1 Visual Characteristics

  • Mathematical grid systems and modular spacing
  • Sans-serif typography with precise hierarchy
  • Limited color palettes (black, white, gray + accents)
  • Asymmetrical layouts with dynamic balance
  • Clean geometric forms and functional shapes
  • Objective photography and minimal decoration

5.2 Historical Context

  • Emerged in 1940s-50s Switzerland
  • Influenced by Bauhaus and De Stijl movements
  • Key figures: Max Bill, Emil Ruder, Josef Müller-Brockmann
  • Post-war rational approach to communication
  • Foundation of modern graphic design education
  • Continues to influence digital interface design

5.3 Typography Approaches

  • Aa Helvetica, Inter, Work Sans (primary fonts)
  • Aa Mathematical scale relationships (1.25, 1.414 ratios)
  • Aa Tight letter spacing for headlines
  • Aa Generous line height for readability
  • Aa Weight variations over font family changes
  • Aa Responsive sizing with clamp() functions

5.4 Modern Applications

  • Corporate identity and branding systems
  • Data visualization and dashboards
  • Educational and governmental interfaces
  • Professional software and tools
  • Content management systems
  • Design system foundations

Tools & Resources

Typography

  • Google Fonts (Inter, Work Sans)
  • Adobe Fonts (Helvetica Neue)
  • Modular Scale Calculator
  • Type Scale Generator

Layout & Grid

  • CSS Grid Generator
  • Gridlover (vertical rhythm)
  • Figma grid plugins
  • Bootstrap grid system

Design Tools

  • Figma (design systems)
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Sketch (systematic design)
  • Framer (prototyping)

Development

  • CSS Grid & Flexbox
  • Design tokens (Style Dictionary)
  • Sass/SCSS organization
  • Component libraries