When Did Minimalism Start in Graphic Design?

Minimalism in graphic design began to emerge in the late 1960s and early 1970s, during a period known as the ‘Swiss Style’. This style of design was heavily inspired by a Swiss-German movement that believed in a more objective approach to visual communication, where content and message were prioritised over aesthetics.

The Swiss Style was typified by its use of clean lines, grid-based layouts and sans serif typefaces. It rejected the decorative elements of earlier styles such as Art Nouveau and instead focused on delivering information in an efficient way.

The Swiss Style also had a strong influence on other European countries such as Germany, France and Italy. This style of minimalism was embraced by designers who sought to create something that was visually striking but also conveyed meaning without being overly decorative. This resulted in designs with simple yet powerful imagery and typography that could convey a message without the need for elaborate ornamentation.

The minimalist aesthetic continued to evolve over the following decades, with new technologies such as personal computers allowing designers to create even simpler designs while still producing powerful visuals. Minimalism has since become an important tool for modern graphic designers, as it allows them to create effective visuals with a minimal amount of effort.

In conclusion, minimalism in graphic design has been around for several decades now, originating from the Swiss Style movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It has since become an important tool for modern graphic designers who seek to create effective visuals with minimal effort. Its popularity continues to grow as more designers embrace its principles for creating visually appealing yet meaningful designs.