In this weeks lecture, we learnt about Modernism and its effect on design.

Modernism is a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a response to the rapid changes brought about by industrialisation, urbanisation, and technological advancements. Modernism rejected traditional forms and conventions, seeking to create new and innovative approaches in literature, art, architecture, music, and other fields. It emphasised individualism, experimentation, and a break from the past. Modernist works often challenged societal norms and explored themes of alienation, fragmentation, and the complexities of the modern world.

We also learnt about The Ulm School of Design that was based in Germany. It was founded in 1953 by Inge Aicher-Scholl, Otl Aicher and Max Bill. Unfortunately it shut down due to lack of numbers and government funding.

Modernism had a profound impact on the field of graphic design, revolutionising the way designers approached their work. Artists like Jan Tschichold ‘The Father of New Typography’ and Herbert Bayer played key roles in the development of modernist design principles, introducing standardised layouts and geometric shapes. The movement faced opposition from the Nazis, who labeled modernist art as "degenerative," but it thrived in the United States, where designers like Lester Beall, Alexey Brodovitch, and Paul Rand embraced its principles. Their innovative use of typography, geometric shapes, and experimentation continues to influence design practices today.

Jan Tschichold’s work

Paul Rand was influenced by modernism. He was one of the first people to use Swiss style of graphic design he designed many logos for massive companies such as IBM and Ideo