Ordering Disorder

This book is a highly readable, plain-language introduction to the concepts behind grids in interaction design, as well as a primer on their practical usage in solving design problems in online media. It is intended to serve as both an inspirational reference as well as a useful guide for designing with grid principles. Its focus will be primarily on web design, but will also touch upon design for mobile devices, application design and interaction design at large.

1. Introduction to Grid Thinking. Examines the underlying humanistic principles of searching for order within disorder, and how grid systems are derived from those core universal motivations. Includes a personal reflection on why grids are important. 2. A Brief History of Grids. Examines grid systems in nature, early, pre-graphic design explorations of grid concepts, and the origins of modern principles for construction and use of grids. Includes numerous historical illustrations and annotations. 3. Contemporary Grids and the Internet. Examines recent notable examples of grids in print, and focuses on how grids have migrated online. Discusses parallels with and deviations from grid principles in print. Includes numerous illustrations. 4. Grids: How to. A step-by-step guide to creating a Web page based on a strong, rational grid, with in-depth discussion of the principles at work in every step. Also includes shorter in-depth examinations of outlier additional, smaller design problems.