Grid (graphic design)

The design grid (in practice, often the design height), also called the typographic grid or grid system is a system of order in visual communication which facilitates as an auxiliary construction, the organization of graphic elements on a surface or in a room. Design tasks in which the grid is applied are mostly typographical Art

Functions and Benefits

A layout grid is used for visual problem solving various tasks. He should ensure planning unity with transparency and clarity in a creative order, which promotes the acquisition of content. So can not be read only faster and easier, but information can also be better understood. The goal is a systematic, logical structure of text and images that allows rhythmic, choreographed exciting and functional compositions.

Reasons for the use of a grid can be economical because caused by less time managing a creative task lower costs. When the use of the grid rationally founded, like the uniform style suggest where can solve both simple and complex tasks. A philosophical motivation to catch mechanism may be the use of higher-level visualization of content, if it is to contribute as an expression of spiritual attitude as a social or educational contribution to the cultural situation of the company.

Development of a design grid

In the first step, a format as a template, usually a paper size is determined. Assuming the sentence level is determined, the surface is divided into smaller fields usually the same size. These fields are separated by a gap, the dock, so do not touch text boxes or images. The vertical distance usually corresponds to one or the multiple of the line spacing. The horizontal distance usually follows the same rules. Take elements such as typography, photography or illustration Referring now to the grid, they can be placed more organized. Their sizes correspond to a grid or its multiples, as the grid acts as a constant unit.

This based on complex mathematical specifications basics of scanning creation were promoted among others by the Swiss typographer Josef Müller- Brockmann. Meanwhile, a strict set of procedure of the grid creation is now indeed as basic knowledge for every graphic designer but the grid is now, for example, in editorial design, not so strictly adhered to, or not even strictly defined. Often, a baseline grid is sufficient based on the defined body text font. Especially in web design is a mere division into columns can be observed.

History

In the Middle Ages a simple grid drawn on a page to obtain a uniform classification of the pages of a book in manuscript before writing. Even in the space of non-Latin alphabet show the codices (about 700-900 AD. ) Maya a regular schedule by visible guides that are designed to simplify the reading. The graphical work with grids comes from the constructive art from the Netherlands and Russia in the early 20th century and the Zurich School of 30s concrete, geometric art. After a few precursors systematic design through representatives such as El Lissitzky, Max Bill 1939 brought the breakthrough to real grid system with its design of the third volume of the " oeuvre complète " by Le Corbusier. In the 1940s, then established the typographic grid with the Swiss artists - designers Max Bill, Richard Paul Lohse and others. Classic examples are found since then, especially in the book design and editorial design. In addition, today Raster also in related disciplines of graphic design, such as the design of websites, application software, on-air design, but also used in the three-dimensional communication such as exhibition, event and exhibition design.