Max Bill

Max Bill and Otl Aicher opened their own school in Ulm, Germany. Bill, who is known not only for his work as a designer, but also for his theoretical writings and connection to the Modern Movement, is often thought of as the most “decisive influence on Swiss graphic design.” His school in Ulm included courses in semiotics, or the study of signs and symbols. These teachings fell into step with the objectivity and readability of the International Typographic Style, which aims to create content that is easily recognized and understood by anyone who views it. (Swiss Style PrintMag)

Bill is widely considered the single most decisive influence on Swiss graphic design beginning in the 1950s with his theoretical writing and progressive work. His connection to the days of the Modern Movement gave him special authority. As an industrial designer, his work is characterized by a clarity of design and precise proportions. Examples are the elegant clocks and watches designed for Junghans, a long-term client. Among Bill's most notable product designs is the "Ulmer Hocker" of 1954, a stool that can also be used as a shelf element, a speaker's desk, a tablet or a side table. (Max Bill Wiki)

Max Bill's Ulmer Hocker of 1954 (via eguide)


Budrick, Callie. “Swiss Style: The Principles, the Typefaces & the Designers.” PRINT, PRINT, 16 Sept. 2020, www.printmag.com/post/swiss-style-principles-typefaces-designers.

“Max Bill.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Bill. 

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