Karl Gerstner, Designing Programmes pg55-61, Joseph Muller-Brockman, “Grid and Design Philosophy” pg62-63 Graphic Design Theory: Readings From the Field by Helen Armstrong; and Margaret Rhodes, The Swiss Designers Breaking Tradition. 

Here are the questions to which you should respond in your reading response:

  • How do each of these designers/authors think you should approach design?
  • Include an example of contemporary typography/layout that embodies the two design systems or philosophies described by Karl Gerstner and Joseph Muller-Brockman. And explain why!
  • How do the contemporary Swiss designers described in the Margaret Rhodes’ essay “flirt with breaking the rules of the International Typographic Style“?

Karl Gerstner was known for his systematic approach to design. He believed in the power of grids, systems, and order in design. He claims that structure and rationality are needed for a good design. Gerstner also thought that design should be objective and focused on solving problems. Joseph MĂźller-Brockmann believed in the power of visual communication and using grids to create order and clarity. He emphasized the importance of precision and simplicity in design, aiming to communicate information quickly and effectively. As for Margaret Rhodes, she encouraged designers to embrace new technologies and platforms while considering the impact on user experience, accessibility, and aesthetics. An example of a contemporary typography/layout that embodies Gerstner’s design philosophy is the Swiss International Style. It prioritizes clarity, clarity, and objectivity. Swiss International style had clean, minimalistic layouts, geometric shapes, and a strong reliance on grids. Another example that embodies MĂźller-Brockmann’s design philosophy is the poster designs by Jessica Svendsen. Her work often features grid-based layouts, clear typographic hierarchies, and a strong visual hierarchy and balanced focus. Swiss designers described Rhodes’ essay on “flirt with breaking the rules of the International typographic style” by saying to attempt or try new methods of design instead of just always following the international typographic style.

Annotations:

morphological box

The grid looks complicated to anyone not knowing the key.

This implies: not to make creative decisions as prompted by feeling but by intellectual criteria.