The Vignelli Canon

Massimo Vignelli lays out his understanding of good design in clear, uncompromising terms. Using numerous examples drawn from his own practice, he conveys the rules and criteria he applied across product design, signaletics, graphic design, and corporate identity. The book is itself a demonstration of its subject: precise, elegant, and entirely committed to the modernist principles Vignelli championed throughout his career.

Published by Lars Müller Publishers, the volume serves as an essential manual for designers at any stage. Vignelli (1931–2014) was one of the most influential Italian designers of the 20th century, responsible for iconic work including the New York City Subway map, American Airlines branding, and the Knoll furniture identity system.