DESIGNING
WITH
ONE EYE
CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED CLOSED
W HY Why Haven't I Read More of Mueller Brockmann's Writing?
I feel like up till now, I have been designing with one eye closed. I had a feeling of what worked in design and what didn't. However, I had trouble putting into words why something work and something else didn't.
Reading about grid systems
has validated so many intuitive design decisions of the past. I understand that all rules can and will be broken. However, beginning my design journey it is so helpful to start to understand what the rules are. I can't help but think of artists like Pablo Picasso who broke the “rules� of perspective and proportion. However, Picasso was classically trained: meaning
He Knew the Rules FIRST
And Then “Artfully“ Broke Them As a beginner designer, I do not find myself in a rebellious mood when it comes to the grid. Instead, I would rather understand the grid and how to build with it. Perhaps, in the future, I too will “artfully” break the rules: but the key is artfully. If I am going to break the rules then I would rather it be with intent and a bit of elegance.
STANDARDS STANDARDS ANDARDS DARDS ARDS
III
HAVE HAVE HAVE HAV HA H
RDS S
E AVE AVE HAVE HAVE HAVE
Personally, I find design created using a grid visually satisfying. I say this almost hesitantly since there seems to be a divide among my fellow designers: some love it and some hate it. I wonder if my personal preference for grid design will change as I grow as a designer. But for now, I will just continue to appreciate the structure and rhythm that can be created with a grid.
ONE Y O S EE D C L O N E Y E