The history of international typographic style — is it timeless?

The International Typographic Style, also known as Swiss Style, emerged in Switzerland during the 1940s and gained significant popularity in the 1950s and 1960s due to its emphasis on grid-based design, simplicity, and objectivity. Influenced by movements such as Suprematism, Constructivism, Bauhaus, and De Stijl, Swiss Style became a pivotal force in graphic design, characterized by the use of sans serif typefaces, asymmetric layouts, and photography to convey clear and structured information. Prominent figures like Josef Müller-Brockmann and Armin Hofmann were instrumental in its development and propagation. Today, Swiss Style's principles persist in the digital design world, promoting minimalism, clarity, and functionality, and influencing contemporary movements like flat design, which emphasizes simplicity and user-centric interfaces. As design evolves, the foundational elements of Swiss Style continue to offer a timeless guide for creating effective and aesthetically pleasing digital experiences.