OUGD404 - Layout

Through this module, a number of design principles were learnt in terms of layout and it’s importance within design. One of these principles is the importance of grid systems.

There are various different types of grid systems which each have slightly different purposes and function within design. The four main types of grid system are manuscript, column, modular and hierarchical. A manuscript grid consists mainly of a large rectangular area within a formatted space. The structure is typically defined by large passages of text, which are positioned within set margins. These types of grid are mostly suitable for the communication of extensive bodies of text or large images, which makes them appropriate for book and essay layouts.

Column grids are made up by placing multiple columns within the format, which are suitable when discontinuous information needs to be presented. Modular grids are similar to the layout of column grids, however with the addition of horizontal divisions. These are appropriate for the use of complex designs which require elements to be controlled.

Hierarchial grids are based on intuitive placement of elements. These are commonly found within web designs when information needs to be placed in order of importance, or when a design does not fit the structure of other grids.

In the production of an exhibition poster for the Natural History Museum, the use of a modular grid ensured a clear communication of information, as well as producing a hierarchy of information. This allowed elements to be placed at consistent distances apart and communicate which pieces of information may be of more importance than the others. This involved the use of the Natural History Museum logo and exhibition title within the top section of the poster and the dates just underneath these, which we accompanied by an image.

Romek Marber is a Polish designer, best known for his 1961 grid layout for Penguin Classic book covers, specifically Penguin crimes. This new grid system was produced by Marber in order to ensure a consistent layout and pattern within the Penguin series of books. The grid keeps a similar horizontal branding to that used in previous designs, however was manipulated so that the cover image occupies over two-thirds of the available space. All typographic information was then divided into three bands within the top third of the page. These contained the colophon, series name and price, the title and author’s name. Ideas based on the Marber grid were used in the production of books covers for three Penguin Classics, whereby the typographic information was kept within this top band and the imagery filling the remaining space. 

Although grids can have powerful communicative effects within design, various designers can be seen to manipulate and break these grids in their work. For instance, David Carson is known for this controversial decision in breaking the grid to produce ‘chaotic’ pieces of design. This layout choice dramatically changes how information is communicated, showing the importance of grid systems within Graphic Design.

As a piece of publicity material, the exhibition poster had to ensure effective and accurate communication of information which would attract the appropriate audiences. This requirement meant the decision was made to keep a simple layout in order to avoid miscommunication of the event.