Modernism
モダニズム / 1920s–1970s / Style / Functionalism
Replaces ornament with reasoned form and aims at universality. The particular answers stand as their own entries, and Bauhaus, Swiss, Minimalism and Streamline Moderne are all separate solutions arrived at from this one stance.


At a glance
Visual cues
- Simplification
- Clear hierarchy
- Function first
- Universal forms
Best used for
- Building a brand foundation that lasts
- A vessel that never gets in the content's way
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Detailed guidance and sourcesProduction rules, reference works, comparisons, research and citation formats
Dictionary entry
- Type
- A sans-serif with few quirks
- Composition
- Logical hierarchy and generous white space
- Material
- Black and white with a single accent color
- Caution
- Blandness is not universality. Hold clear intent in every ratio and interval.
- Further study
- Paul Rand / Massimo Vignelli
Related entries
- Mid-Century Modern (ミッドセンチュリー・モダン)Shared effects: Trust.Compare Modernism and Mid-Century Modern
- Swiss Punk Typography (スイス・パンク・タイポグラフィ)Editorially linked for a useful contrast.Compare Modernism and Swiss Punk Typography
Often confused with
More from Functionalism
Continue through styles in the same Functionalism family, prioritised by shared effects.
- Swiss (スイス・スタイル)Shared effects: Trust / Calm.
- Minimalism (ミニマリズム)Shared effects: Calm / Trust.
- Bauhaus (バウハウス)Shared effects: Trust.
Browse all Functionalism entries
Cite this entry
The dictionary is meant to be linked to. Take whichever form fits where you are writing.
- Link
- https://indexstyle.org/styles/modernism
- Markdown
- [Modernism — IndexStyle](https://indexstyle.org/styles/modernism)
- HTML
- <a href="https://indexstyle.org/styles/modernism">Modernism — IndexStyle</a>