Study Guide 3

Question 1

What are the five formal characteristics of International Typographic Style (Swiss Style)?

Answer 1

rigid grid system, structured layout, Sans Serif fonts, left justification, objective photography

Question 2

Why are the 5 characteristics of Swiss Style important to the meaning of style?

Answer 2

shows clarity, activity, there is no lie involved and is a rational approach to graphic design.

Question 3

What specific events and factors made the International Typographic Style
appropriate for the post World War II era?

Answer 3

Trade. certain typeface made for easier and more efficient trade, Use of propaganda (hitler era)

Question 4

Who was Armin Hofmann?

Answer 4

Swiss graphic designer, designed posters and created “graphic design manual”

Question 5

In “Thoughts on the Study and Making of Visual Signs”, why does Hofmann reference the hitler era?

Answer 5

Hofmann points out that people who work with hand gestures have political power and influence

Question 6

What is Helvetica and why is it important?

Answer 6

Helvetica is a font style that has a bland flavor but high legibility, and is an icon of the International Style due to its association with the Swiss

Question 7

What are the symbol signs and the two institutions who commissioned them?

Answer 7

A set of 34 symbols were established in 1974, and a revised set of 50 in 1979; AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) and US Dept of Transportation

Question 8

Explain Isotype

Answer 8

I (International) S (System) O (Of) T (Typographic) P (Picture) E (Education), A set of bold symbols that conveyed simple information without using text. Ex: Handicap symbol

Question 9

Who was Otto Neurath?

Answer 9

Austrian sociologist who invented the visual classification Isotype