A structural design method benefitting both the designer and the end-user, grid systems have been used for generations in print design, architecture and urban planning to lay out and optimize spaces for readability and comprehension, wayfinding and navigation, utility and usability.
As a framework for screen-based design, grids enable efficiencies in the planning, execution and presentation of UIs and content and imparts a refined aesthetic and sense of order improving perceived usability and intuitive behavior.
10. “…the user may be strongly affected
by the aesthetic aspect of the
interface even when they try to
evaluate the interface in its
functional aspects…”
11. Solve problems once
Improve workflow
Add new content consistent
with the overall vision
Facilitate collaboration
among designers
37. Use a grid system to increase usability
by creating more aesthetic compositions
through crafting a well considered
framework on which to build a system
of screen templates
38. References
Design Elements: A Graphic Style Manual Timothy Samara
Making and Breaking the Grid: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop Timothy Samara
Layout essentials: 100 design principles for using grids Beth Tondreau
The influence of prototype fidelity and aesthetics of design in usability tests: effects on user
behaviour, subjective evaluation and emotion. Sauer J, Sonderegger A.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18691696
http://usabilityfriction.com/2010/03/30/aesthetic-usability-effect/
http://www.slideshare.net/kylemeyer/grids-in-modern-web-design
http://www.slideshare.net/fluxus/understanding-interaction-design