Flat Design

What is Flat Design? Flat design refers to a style of interface design which removes any stylistic choices which: give the illusion of three-dimensions (such as drop shadows, gradients, or textures) are focused on a minimalist use of simple elements typography flat colors.

Where did flat design come from originally? Most anything we see on the Web or digital world today has origins from its print and art ancestries. While it is difficult to determine the exact start of flat design today or where its origins started, there are a few periods of design and art in which flat design takes inspiration from.

The Swiss Style The Swiss style (sometimes called the International Typographic Style) of design is the main period of design that come to mind and deserves attention for any discussion on the history of flat design. The Swiss design style was the dominant design style throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s from which it originated in Switzerland.

Minimalism Another heavy influence of today’s flat Web design can be found in the history of Minimalism. The term “minimalism” is sometimes used interchangeably with today’s flat design, but minimalism was popular way before the Web was even a thought. Minimalism has its history in architecture, visual art, and design.

Microsoft and Metro Design While many designers have worked their way to flat design when creating websites and other design pieces, it is safe to say that the likes of Microsoft and Apple made flat design pretty popular over the last several years.

T. Robinson

Your Challenge Design a narrative scene using the basic flat design principles: Minimalism Emphasis on typography and color No added effects-transparency OK Simple elements 300 dpi 13” x 19”, full bleed 4/0, CMYK= print profile 1 Artboard Save as lastname_flat design.ai, pdf Due Friday, 2/3 ALL DESIGNS MUST BE ORIGINAL!!! NO RIP OFFS!