IIDS
International Interface Design Style. A systematic canon for professional interface design. Building on the clarity and order of International Typographic Style, redefined for the digital age.
International Interface Design Style. A systematic canon for professional interface design. Building on the clarity and order of International Typographic Style, redefined for the digital age.
The fundamentals of interface design
1. Typography
Typography establishes hierarchy, rhythm, and tone. It guides the eye through structure rather than decoration to create clear visual hierarchy.
2. Grids
Grids create order across layouts and devices. They ensure clarity and consistency through structured placement.
3. Color
Color establishes hierarchy, reinforces meaning, and indicates state. Palettes maintain legibility, clarity, and accessible contrast.
4. Communication
Communication defines how information is expressed, structured, and revealed. It arranges content to create clarity in message and flow.
The rules that create order and discipline
5. Proportion
Proportion creates harmony through scale and spacing. Consistent systems make interfaces predictable and cohesive.
6. Clarity
Clarity directs every design decision. It respects context so interfaces remain clear in any circumstance.
7. Precision
Precision appears in alignment, spacing, and hierarchy. Small adjustments communicate professionalism and build trust at scale.
8. Order
Order comes before style. Grids, type scales, and components define the foundation to create consistency and order across an interface.
How interfaces respond and perform
9. Affordance
Affordance makes interaction discoverable. Interfaces suggest what can be done and respond to confirm those actions.
10. Motion
Motion clarifies relationships and supports continuity. It guides orientation and hierarchy without distraction.
11. Efficiency
Efficiency reduces friction and streamlines flows. It communicates progress with clarity to create scalability across products and systems.
12. Restraint
Restraint removes what is unnecessary. Interaction remains only when it strengthens understanding.
The responsibility of design to people
13. Visuals
Visuals communicate with purpose. Icons, photographs, illustrations, video, or future formats serve clarity and meaning, not decoration.
14. Universal
Universal design communicates across languages, cultures, and contexts. It avoids dependence on style to create designs that adapt across contexts.
15. Accessibility
Accessibility is integral to design. Legibility, contrast, and inclusivity are built in from the start.
16. Responsibility
Responsibility is central to design. Interfaces enable confidence and trust by serving the user with clarity, efficiency, and integrity.
The International Interface Design Style builds on the International Typographic Style developed in Switzerland in the mid-20th century. Where Müller-Brockmann, Hofmann, and Ruder codified clarity through grids, proportion, and typography, IIDS continues that lineage in the digital age.
It expands the doctrine to include affordance, efficiency, and accessibility, ensuring that interfaces not only inherit typographic clarity but also serve people across cultures, technologies, and contexts. The 16 principles are structured in a 4 by 4 grid, echoing the rational systems of Swiss design while adapting to the needs of modern interface practice.
IIDS was formalized in 2025 by MDS.
Shift Nudge training is built on these principles. Apply for structured interface design training and live mentorship.