9. A grid

02/10/15

A grid is the structure made of a series of straight or curved lines used to build content.

 It serves as a framework on which the designer can organise his/her graphics in an easy sort of way. A grid can be used to organize graphic elements in relation to a page, in relation to other graphic elements on the page, or relation to other parts of the same graphic element or shape. While grid systems have seen significant use in print media, interest from web developers has only recently seen a resurgence. Website design frameworks producing HTML and CSS had existed for a while before newer frameworks popularised the use of grid-based layouts. Some grid systems specify fixed-width elements with pixels, and some are 'fluid', meaning that they call for page element sizing to be in associated with units like percentages, rather than absolute units like pixels or points.



This facsimile page is from a fourteenth-century English manuscript. The overall layout is asymmetric, and therefore surprisingly modern. The main column is positioned to the left of the page, with a large right-hand margin used for notes. All text is calligraphic and ranged left. 

This old Russian newspaper, telling the events after the USSR collapsed, is laid out with the main images on top underneath the headline, but the columns are all mixed up in all different places of the paper.

The grids are also set out into two layouts: vertical and landscape. There are also only those types of grids. One that has an even number of columns and one that has an odd number of columns. An experienced designer knows that a specific style of design can only be achieved by an odd number of columns, or alternatively, by using an even number of columns. Illustrated below are common examples of layouts using basic layout grids. Learning to choose the right grid for your design is crucial to its success.

The grid layout also are implied in webpages. The main idea behind grid-based designs is a solid visual and structural balance of web-sites you can create with them. Sophisticated layout structures offer more flexibility and enhance the visual experience of visitors. In fact, users can easier follow the consistency of the page, while developers can update the layout in a well thought-out, consistent way. However, it’s quite hard to find your way through all the theory behind grid systems: it isn’t easy at all. Some important notions and related key-facts can help to learn basics and keep essential techniques in mind.

Landscape                                                       Vertical

In overall conclusion, the grid is and has been the first step for graphic designers everywhere on achieving graphics on paper with excellent results. They shaped the way we look on society. They help shape the media industry throughout the entire past century, if they have a way to still do that in the present, then they can surely have a way to shape our future.

Sources (C) Wikipedia, DesignersInsights.com, Graphics.com, Guity-Novin