Swiss style

The Swiss style, also known as the International style, originated in Switzerland in the 1940s and 1950s. The style favors simplicity, legibility and objectivity largely through the use of sans serif typefaces, grid structure and asymmetrical layouts. The Swiss style is concerned with ease of communication, stressing the combination of typography and photography as visual communication. Colour is used to emphasize and assist communication.

This book cover demonstrates the Swiss style through the use of the sans serif typeface, There is minimal use of colour to emphaize the title and year. The grid system is turned on it's side in this design, which creates a more visually interesting look. The list of smaller type on the left hand side creates an asymmetrical design.

This book cover uses the minimalism of the Swiss style to create emphasis. The layout grid is also employed in this design to hold the more complex elements ordered together.

SOURCES:

DESIGN IS HISTORY, SWISS DESIGN, http://www.designishistory.com/home/swiss/

SMASHING MAGAZINE, LESSONS FROM SWISS GRAPHIC DESIGN, http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/07/17/lessons-from-swiss-style-graphic-design/

IMAGES:

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/07/17/lessons-from-swiss-style-graphic-design/