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2010-2017

Swiss Metro Transformation

A demonstration of converting Swiss-style design into Microsoft's Metro design language, featuring bold typography, tile-based layouts, and flat design aesthetics without gradients or shadows.

Live Demo

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Interactive Swiss Metro Transformation Demo

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Origins & History

This project explores the transformation from Swiss International Style to Microsoft's Metro design language, demonstrating how design systems can evolve while maintaining core principles of clarity and typography-first hierarchy.

Metro Design Language was introduced by Microsoft around 2010, inspired by public transit signage systems. It emphasizes 'content before chrome' - letting content speak for itself without decorative UI elements getting in the way.

Created as part of the Swiss Design Lineage course, this implementation shows how strategic AI collaboration can help transform between design languages while maintaining authenticity and developing design judgment.

Key Characteristics

  • Extremely bold typography (96px hero text)
  • Tile-based content layouts
  • Flat design without gradients or shadows
  • Systematic color palette from Metro language
  • Mobile-first responsive design
  • Content-focused with minimal chrome

Why This Demo Is Authentic

This implementation faithfully recreates the Swiss Metro Transformation through careful attention to typography, grid systems, color usage, and compositional principles documented in the original movement. Every design decision is grounded in historical research.

Style Guide

Color Palette
Typography

Segoe UI

Secondary: Segoe WP Light

Typography is the primary design element in Metro. Large, bold headlines establish hierarchy, with...

Grid

Tile-based modular grid with bold content blocks

Student Work

Community Submissions

1 submission for this style