In a world increasingly reliant on data to make decisions and tell stories, the way we present information has become crucial. Information visualization, the art and science of representing data visually, is deeply influenced by Modernism—a design movement that championed clarity, simplicity, and functionality. At Optima®, where we appreciate the aesthetic and philosophical principles of Modernism, it’s fascinating to see how these ideas extend beyond architecture and art, impacting the way information is organized and communicated in our daily lives.

In the September/October 2023 article in Intercom by Amanda Horton, “Modernism Prevails? Researching recent trends in information visualization,” we get a chance to take a deep dive into current applications of Modernist graphic design principles.

Modernism as a design movement emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the chaos and complexity of the modern world. With its core tenets of simplicity, functionality, and “form follows function,” Modernism quickly gained traction across various fields—architecture, graphic design, and even furniture making. This philosophy centered around a commitment to clear, straightforward forms and a rejection of unnecessary ornamentation. Today, these principles are not only evident in Optima®’s architecture and design but also in the growing field of information visualization.

Aesthetic Minimalism and Functionality
Modernist design principles emphasize clarity and efficiency, making information easy to understand at a glance. In the realm of data visualization, this translates into a preference for clean, uncluttered layouts, limited color palettes, and minimalist iconography. These elements make it easier for viewers to process information quickly, preventing them from getting bogged down by decorative elements or unnecessary details.

Take, for example, the ubiquitous bar and line charts, pie charts, and simple grids. These straightforward visual tools align with the Modernist aesthetic by prioritizing legibility and functionality. Just as Modernist architecture uses clean lines and geometric forms to avoid visual noise, these types of charts are designed to communicate the data without distraction. Instead of ornate and overly colorful designs, Modernist-inspired visualizations rely on clear labels, proportional spacing, and a balance between positive and negative space to convey meaning effectively.

The Grid: A Foundation of Modernist Structure
One of the most influential aspects of Modernist design is the grid. Used extensively by designers in the Modernist movement, grids provide a structured way to organize visual elements on a page or screen. The use of grids in information visualization is equally prevalent. Grids help to align data points and visual elements in a way that feels orderly, logical, and easy to navigate.

By structuring information on a grid, visualizations ensure consistency and symmetry, creating a flow that guides the viewer’s eye naturally across the page or screen. Whether in infographics, dashboards, or interactive visualizations, grids play a vital role in making data intuitive and accessible, embodying the Modernist belief in functionality and efficiency.

Typography and Color: Clarity in Communication
In keeping with Modernism’s commitment to clarity, typography and color in information visualization are chosen with great care. Sans-serif fonts, popularized by Modernist designers for their clean and simple forms, are often the go-to choice for data visualizations. Sans-serif fonts reduce visual clutter and allow the text to be read quickly, which is essential when communicating complex data.

Color, too, is applied thoughtfully. Modernist principles favor a restrained color palette—often just a few shades, chosen to differentiate data points without overwhelming the viewer. Colors are also selected based on their psychological impact and readability, with contrasting hues helping to highlight key data points. Instead of vibrant, jarring colors, Modernist-influenced visualizations use subdued, harmonious tones to create a cohesive look and feel.

The Influence of Swiss Style
Swiss Style, a subsect of Modernism that originated in Switzerland in the 1950s, has a particularly strong influence on information visualization. Known for its focus on readability, objectivity, and precision, Swiss Style places a heavy emphasis on grid alignment, asymmetrical layouts, and clear hierarchies. In information visualization, these attributes are invaluable, as they ensure that the viewer can quickly understand which pieces of data are most important.

Interactive dashboards, a staple in business intelligence and analytics, are a great example of Swiss-inspired design. These interfaces typically use grids to organize data into clear sections, leverage minimalistic typography, and employ a limited color scheme. Swiss Style’s commitment to objective and unbiased design aligns perfectly with the goal of visualizations to present data without inserting opinions or biases.

Modernism and Digital Innovation
Today, the principles of Modernism have evolved but continue to underpin digital design, particularly in information visualization. As we move further into the digital age, data visualizations have become interactive and dynamic, allowing users to explore data by filtering, zooming, and clicking through layers of information. Despite these technological advancements, Modernist design principles remain relevant. Interactive features are often incorporated in a way that maintains the integrity of the visualization, avoiding excessive embellishments that could detract from the data itself.

This fusion of Modernism with digital tools exemplifies how timeless principles can adapt to new media. Modernist ideas have not only endured but also thrived in the age of digital design, reminding us that simplicity and functionality are key to effective communication, no matter the medium.

Just as Optima®’s architectural philosophy celebrates clean lines, purposeful design, and thoughtful aesthetics, the Modernist approach in information visualization champions clarity, simplicity, and functionality. By embracing Modernism, data visualizations today serve as powerful tools that can effectively convey complex information in a way that is both visually appealing and easily digestible.

In a world overflowing with data, Modernism offers a guiding principle for designers seeking to communicate information transparently and efficiently. As we continue to explore new ways of understanding and visualizing data, Modernist principles remind us that sometimes, less truly is more. For our team at Optima®, these principles are not only reflected in their living spaces but also in the thoughtful design that permeates the information they interact with every day.