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Karl Gerstner (1930, Basel, Switzerland–2017, Basel, Switzerland) was a Swiss graphic designer, typographer, and artist, widely recognized for his contributions to Swiss typography, modular design systems, and conceptual art. Born in Basel, Switzerland, he trained at the Allgemeine Gewerbeschule, where he studied under Emil Ruder, a leading figure in the Swiss Style movement. His work bridged graphic design, advertising, and fine arts, influencing generations of designers and artists. In 1959, Gerstner co-founded Gerstner + Kutter, later known as GGK, with Markus Kutter and Paul Gredinger. The agency became known for its innovative approach to advertising, integrating systematic design principles with creative visual communication. His 1964 book "Designing Programmes" laid out his modular and grid-based design philosophy, advocating for adaptable, rule-based design systems that became influential in modern graphic design. In 1964, Gerstner collaborated with Daniel Spoerri to relaunch Edition MAT (Multiplication d'Art Transformable), an initiative focused on producing affordable, interactive, and kinetic artworks. Originally founded by Spoerri in 1959, Edition MAT sought to challenge the exclusivity of traditional art markets by making multiple and transformable artworks available to a wider audience. Gerstner’s involvement brought a structured and design-oriented perspective to the project, enhancing its presentation and distribution. Together, Gerstner and Spoerri co-edited the 1964 and 1965 editions of Edition MAT, working with contemporary artists to explore movement, transformation, and seriality in art. This collaboration highlighted the intersection of art and design, demonstrating how conceptual structures and aesthetic systems could merge to create dynamic, accessible artistic experiences. Gerstner’s legacy endures in graphic design, conceptual art, and system-based visual communication, shaping the way designers and artists think about structure, form, and adaptability in creative practice.