Armin Hofmann is an eminent twentieth century Swiss graphic designer. The immeasurable influence on generations of designers is one of the many distinguishing qualities of his work. Moreover, he is looked up to by his students as the most inspiring graphic design teacher.

In 1965, Hofmann distilled the essential principles of his rational approach to teaching design in his textbook, titled Graphic Design Manual. Even after decades of its publication, the revised version of this pedagogical manual is still published. His designs were didactic demonstrations of the principles he discussed in his book. During 1950s and 1960s, he designed posters for some cultural clients which hold typographic and photographic clarity. For instance, his theatrical posters capture the dramatic experience of watching and listening as it’s displayed in the enlarged grainy photos of an ear and eye.

Josef Müller-Brockmann was a celebrated 20th Century Swiss graphic designer born in 1914. He generated a universal graphic expression utilising grids as an organisational system to produce clean simple designs devoid of subjective feeling and illustration. Müller-Brockmann studied architecture, design and history if art at the University of Zurich before becoming an apprentice and going onto establish his own studio in Zurich specialising in graphics, exhibition design and photography. Influenced by Bauhaus and constructivism he always aspired to a distinct arrangement of typographic and pictorial elements creating work which has a down to earth feel with its objective and radically minimalist design. By the 1950s Josef Müller-Brockmann had established himself as a leading practitioner and theorist of Swiss Style. His posters are definitive examples of the use of fundamental visual design elements with points, lines and planes evidently working in tandem to produce balance, harmony and perspective.

Studio Dumbar is a highly influential international design agency specialised in visual branding and online branding. Founded by Gert Dumbar in 1977 the design studio is one of the most award-winning design agencies with a long-standing history of notable projects such as work for the Dutch Railways and Music + Talk by Spotify – Sonic Revolution.

Summary

International Style, also known as Swiss Style, is a graphic design style that emerged in the mid-20th century in Switzerland. It is characterized by its emphasis on simplicity, clarity, and functionality. International Style designers believed that form should follow function, and they strived to create products and services that were easy to understand and use.

Key principles of International Style in UX design:

• Grid systems: Grid systems are a fundamental element of International Style design. They are used to create a sense of order and harmony, and to ensure that all elements of a design are aligned and balanced.
• Typography: Typography is another important element of International Style design. International Style designers believe that typography should be clear, legible, and easy to read.
• White space: White space is used extensively in International Style design. It is used to create a sense of calm and tranquility, and to draw attention to the key elements of a design.

Influential figures in International Style UX design:

• Armin Hofmann: A Swiss graphic designer who is considered one of the pioneers of International Style.
• Josef Müller-Brockmann: A Swiss graphic designer who is best known for his work with grids and typography.
• Studio Dumbar: A Dutch design agency that is known for its work in visual branding and online branding.

Reflection

International Style had a profound impact on the development of UX design. Its emphasis on simplicity, clarity, and functionality remains relevant today, and its influence can be seen in the design of many of the products and services we use every day.

• The importance of minimalism: International Style designers believed that less is more, and they strived to create designs that were as simple as possible.