

The work of Armin Hofmann showcases a
timeless aesthetic embodying the power and charm of simplicity and clarity while also emphasizing the importance of context and meaning. His thoughtful use of simple shapes, minimal colors, high contrast of value and scale, and a bold sans-serif typeface aligned with a grid made his designs clean and effective.
One of his most well-known works, Die gute Form(Good Design), is a good example of the distinctive characteristics and components that make his Swiss style of design so impactful and timeless. Hoffman is a master of balance and includes enough visual hints to deliver a message with clarity while also providing a sense of mystery behind the forms he creates. When he blocks out portions of a figure, the communication of the message is still transferable to viewers due to the precise type arrangement and the Gestault theory regarding how the human eye perceives visual elements. Even when parts of the figure are not there, the eye and brain make a connection to information that we already know in order to complete those missing areas with implied lines. The mystery and ambiguity he creates makes the design more interesting as it requires the viewers to focus and take a closer look.
His use of a tight grid system is one of the key elements in delivering a message with clarity. It aids the eye to perceiving those implied lines while also allowing the letter forms to become more of a graphic element. Rather than the grid making his designs predictable and boring, it actually pushes them to appear more fluid and playful. The grid helps direct the eye in a way that provides rhythm and motion in the design.
Although Hoffman's work is broken down to minimal forms, it is effective and eye-catching due to the dramatic shifts in value and scale. This bold, high contrast and minimal appearance made his work perfect for displaying in busy cityscapes.


