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Structuring Design: Graphic Grids in Theory and Practice
In visual communication, contents are arranged, organized, and presented. Design laws and principles that are inherent to every medium ensure that from a distance a novel looks like a novel, an art catalog like an art catalog, and a magazine like a magazine. This publication offers a compact mix of explanations, practical tips, and background information on the topic. At its center is the grid as the most important design principle, whose function and application are thoroughly discussed.
The grid allows a consolidated approach to a structured design like a blueprint that supports not only faster and easier reading but also better comprehension of information. In a second part, the author discusses the design process itself with answers to seemingly simple questions of what to observe when designing and the sequence of steps. Another chapter focuses on relevant theoretical aspects such as how method and intuition are correlated. The final section contains an extensive glossary.
The grid allows a consolidated approach to a structured design like a blueprint that supports not only faster and easier reading but also better comprehension of information. In a second part, the author discusses the design process itself with answers to seemingly simple questions of what to observe when designing and the sequence of steps. Another chapter focuses on relevant theoretical aspects such as how method and intuition are correlated. The final section contains an extensive glossary.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
3 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 4, 2026
The strongest part of the book is its conceptual foundation. It treats grids not just as technical tools, but as thinking systems that help designers organize meaning. That perspective is valuable and aligns well with modern design practice.
However, the book fell slightly short of my expectations in terms of practical depth. While the theory is well covered, the number of real, varied examples is limited.
Many of the grid applications feel simplified, and I often wished for more case studies showing how the same grid principles adapt across different design scenarios (editorial, branding, digital, complex layouts, etc.).
Another challenge is the writing style... The language used is dense and more academic than necessary. Ironically, a book that tries to simplify grids occasionally makes the topic feel more complicated than it needs to be. Clearer explanations and more visual breakdowns would have made the learning experience smoother.
That said, this is still a strong and worthwhile read, especially for designers who works in presentations and editorial industry.
However, the book fell slightly short of my expectations in terms of practical depth. While the theory is well covered, the number of real, varied examples is limited.
Many of the grid applications feel simplified, and I often wished for more case studies showing how the same grid principles adapt across different design scenarios (editorial, branding, digital, complex layouts, etc.).
Another challenge is the writing style... The language used is dense and more academic than necessary. Ironically, a book that tries to simplify grids occasionally makes the topic feel more complicated than it needs to be. Clearer explanations and more visual breakdowns would have made the learning experience smoother.
That said, this is still a strong and worthwhile read, especially for designers who works in presentations and editorial industry.
April 8, 2023
A bit too unfocused. At its best when it’s very specific and concrete, which it is mostly in the beginning. Could have greatly benefitted from a native proofreader I feel. Beautifully typeset though!
December 14, 2023
The first chapter was really interesting with lots of examples, the other chapter are more theoretical and design philosophy discussions
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews