Minimalism in Practice: Lessons from Swiss Posters

Swiss posters are a masterclass in minimalism. We break down the techniques that make them timeless and how you can apply them to your own work.

Designers such as Josef Müller-Brockmann embraced reduction to emphasise message over ornamentation. Posters often relied on a single typeface, bold geometric shapes, and carefully weighted colour fields. The result was visual impact without clutter.

To translate these lessons to digital products, start by editing ruthlessly. Ask which elements truly serve the narrative of your interface. Limit your palette, align typography to a grid, and leverage scale to create hierarchy. When every element earns its place, users perceive confidence and quality.

Minimalism is not about removing character; it is about refining it. Swiss posters show that discipline and emotion can coexist on the same canvas.