Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
long. This can be problematic, and will be discussed further in our next chapter on
legibility. The single column means we have limited flexibility to use the grid creat-
ively to order or break down our content. We are relying on the hierarchy we created
when we began organizing our content, the use of different type sizes, weights and
cuts of the font to guide our readers around the page. This is not the most exciting
or dynamic design, but it does demonstrate the effectiveness of establishing a clear
typographic hierarchy when designing information.
The illustration at bottom, far left shows a three-column grid on our A4 page. Again,
we have created our margins at the top, bottom and sides of the page, but we have
broken our text area into three equal columns. This grid offers us more options and
flexibility with our layout, and the annotations highlight some of these. We can run
information across all three columns; this allows us to run our title across the full
width of the page, although we could also use a single column (one of three) or a
double column (two of three) as part of our design. The illustrations at bottom centre
and right demonstrate how this grid might be used with our content placed within it,
and we have many more possibilities available to us; we can break down our inform-
ation in different ways by using this structure. In conjunction with good organization
and the application of typographic hierarchy, we have more opportunity to deliver our
information effectively.
Some ideas on planning the grid
Define the order the copy should be read in.
Group relevant pieces of information together to allow the reader to navigate it
clearly.
Decide on the size and format of your document.
Decide how much flexibility is required within your grid structure. Is one column
enough or would multiple columns be more effective?
How do your images and text work together to draw attention to particular elements
around the page?
Captions need to be considered as part of the composition.
Do you need to plan the composition to create a dynamic piece of design?
