getting to know the grid

Project One: Questions about the grid

·      Define Grid: A structure made up of horizontal and vertical lines, and on it the designer places components such as headings, text, images, captions etc. (Squire, pg 100).

·     Why do we use a grid: A grid is essential, as it is the basis on which information is organized and clarified, ensuring legibility.  The grid provides a framework where text, images, and space can be combined in a unified and cohesive manner (Squire, pg 100).

·      Define Modular Grid: An area calculated in depth by the text leading and width by the text line length (Squire, pg 102).  A grid made with horizontal and vertical gutters creating modules.

Margins.

·      Define Margins: The area that is not accommodated by the text (Squire, pg 102).

Columns.

·      Define Columns: Text positioned within the grid and formed by modules.  Enables the designer to maintain consistent line length (Squire, pg 104).

Grid Modules.

·      Define Grid Modules: An area calculated in depth by the text leading and width by the text line length (Squire, pg 102).

Flowline.

·      Define Flowlines: Horizontal line that appears on a layout within the text so your eye goes through the page.

Gutter.

·      Define Gutter: Inner margins of the page that separate modules from one another (Squire, pg 102).

·      Define Hierarchy: An order of importance, placing text/items on a page so that one appears more prominent than the others and so on (Squire, pg 108).

·      Define  Typographic Color: The optical "grayness" of text type, particularly visible while squinting when viewing a block of text. The overall typographic color of a block of type is affected by the weight or boldness of the typeface, as well as the x-height and the contrast of the typeface used (PicaStudio.com)

·      Ways to achieve a clear Hierarchy: Hierarchy depends on the nature of the text but a good rule of thumb is: 1. Heading, 2. Subheading, 3. Text, 4. Footnotes, 5. Headers/footers, 6. Folios.  The following criteria should be used to emphasize hierarchy: 1. Choice of typeface, 2. Paragraph Spaces, 3. Use of type styles, 4. Alignment (Squire, pg 108).

·      Define  White Space: Negative space, space where no image or text exists.  Enables hierarchy and can add tension or dramatic effect (GDR, pg 54).

·      Define Contrast: Operates on two levels: first, how the elements within the layout contrast, and, second, how the layout itself contrasts within its context.  Done through various uses of visual comparison (GDR, pg 55).