Grid systems

Most design is based on a structural system, and whilst some of the alternatives will be discussed later, the current classic system can be broken down into eight major variations with an unlimited amount of permutations within each one.

The eight grid systems for design are also known as 'shape grammars'. Each system has rules that is unique and provides a sense of purpose that focuses the decision-making. But it is the restraints of each system that encourages the designer to be creative in the execution.

The systems can expand typographic and image communication and welcome the viewer into the work. They are as follows: axial, radial, dilatational, random, grid, transitional, modular and bilateral. Each one has a distinct aesthetic and visual language. Whilst most of them are inappropriate for long bodies of text, all can be designed to communicate with dynamic energy. They lend themselves best to interpretive communication, whereby the messsge tone, structure, length and meaning have all been taken into account. Because of this, the typography fuses with the message to become an image in itself; a bold invitation to the viewer and one that enhances meaning.

But before the eight major type systems are examined, some alternative guiding ones will be considered, as they are still used to this day by designers and can even be found in nature.