Grid Systems

To understand grid systems in more depth I got a book out from the library. The grid is a controlling principle in the form we know it today still remained to be invented. The present volume on the function and use of the grid system is intended to provide the designer operating in two and three dimensions with a practical working instrument which will enable designers to handle visual problems and solve them in terms of conception, organisation and design with greater speed and confidence.

The use of the grid system implies the will to systematise, to clarify the will to penetrate to the essentials, to concentrate the will to cultivate objectivity instead of subjectivity the will to rationalise the creative and technical production processes the will to integrate elements of colour form and material the will to achieve architectural dominon over surface and space. Every visual creative work is a manifestation of the character of the designer. It is a reflection of knowledge, ability and mentality. 

The grid is used by the designer for solving visual problems in two and three dimensions. the graphic designer and typographer use it for designing anything from advertisements to books etc. By arranging the surfaces and spaces in the form of a grid the designer is favourably placed to dispose of text, photographs, diagrams (etc) in conformity with objective and functional criteria. Information presented with clear and logically set out titles, subtitles, texts, illustrations and captions will not only be read more quickly and easily but the information will also be better understood. 

Before the type area can be determined, the designer must know how much text and image there is going to be. As well as overall the look and idea of the finish. 

There are also only two types of grids. One that has an even number of columns and one that has an odd number of columns. Being able to choose the right design for what you are presenting is really important. The rule is: the fewer the differences in the size of the images, the quieter the impression created by the design. As a controlling system the grid makes it easier to give the surface or space a rational organisation . 

The golden ratio is equally interesting and useful for designing. Golden Grid System (GGS) splits the screen into 18 even columns. The leftmost and rightmost columns are used as the outer margins of the grid, which leaves 16 columns for use in design.