- Obviously, I like grids.
They provide structure and consistency.
They make my life better.
When I began working with website design,
I applied my traditional approach to grids
and soon found this didn't work.
A printed page requires
margins, columns, and markers.
But a website is not limited
by the size of the book or poster.
Information exists dimensionally
with pulldowns, hovering texts, and pop outs.
Websites need a grid structure
to aid in navigation and information.
On a website, the real estate allocation is critical.
Is the navigation bar on the top or the side?
Are all the images one size
and can be opened in a separate window?
That real estate relies on a grid structure
to keep the page from becoming a chaotic mess.
When images, text, and shapes align,
we access the information faster.
There are many courses on Lynda.com
that do a great job to address
the technical aspect of creating a grid on a website.
In terms of layout, I found a 12-column grid
to be a good basis in web design.
This structure works in both
960 and 1200 pixel widths.
Now that website design is responsive,
meaning the layout can change
based on the size of the window,
columns are based on percentages
that add up to 100 percent.
When the window is expanded or reduced,
the content shifts to fit
while staying on the grid.
There are multiple concepts in web design
that evolve all the time,
but the constant remains
that a grid provides clarity
and structure to the website.
The information presented is often far more complex
than a printed book or brochure
and is presented in multiple ways
on different pages.
The grid creates unity and a consistent experience.