What design features defined the International Typographic Style after World War II?

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Graphic design Scene from the Egyptian Book of the Dead.

The International Typographic Style, also known as Swiss Design, emerged after World War II as a movement prioritizing objective, rational communication over subjective expression.1

Key design features of the style include:

Modular Grids: Designers utilized grids of horizontal and vertical lines to regularize and align all elements within a composition.1
Asymmetrical Layouts: The movement favored asymmetrical arrangements to create balance and clarity.1
Sans-Serif Typography: Adherents embraced sans-serif typefaces for their clean, modern aesthetic and often limited type usage to specific sizes to enhance accessibility.1
Objective Imagery: Photography was preferred over illustration for its perceived machine-made precision and ability to provide an unbiased record of a subject.1
Minimalism: The style was defined by the banishment of ornament and a focus on elemental geometric forms.1

These features were intended to reflect the scientific and technological spirit of the postwar era. The movement’s emphasis on programmatic uniformity and standardized systems, such as consistent trademarks and color usage, became a foundational influence for corporate visual identity systems.1