Müller-Brockmann's book aimed to solve the graphic designer's problem of finding the appropriate contemporary form. It became a standard work that still serves as a historic practical guide well beyond the boundaries of Switzerland. This edition is an unabbreviated reconstruction of the original edition of 1961, as a hardcover with jacket. It includes the additions made by Josef Müller-Brockmann himself for the paperback edition of 1983.

In the first part, the path from illustrative to functional graphic design is traced, as well as the meaning of design elements, their use and effect in every area of advertising: business printed matter, advertisements, brochures, books, posters, and exhibitions. The middle section of the book contains fundamental thoughts concerning the work of the graphic designer. The chapter "Science and Visual Communication" covers the area of semiotics and communications research. In the last part, the systematic education of the graphic designer is presented by means of a comprehensive documentation. Thus, the book offers graphic designers a valuable survey of the fundamental tasks of design.