Grid Systems by Kimberly Elam is one of my favorite graphic design books. It helped me to understand the importance of viewing type as a visual element instead of the words that are near elements. Dividing up the project space into a grid allows you to balance type, images, and white space. This layout strategy promotes a visual hierarchy in your design, and enhances visual communication.
Beginning with basic grids, Elam shows the internal structure of several designs. Velum overlays with diagrams illustrate the technical skill of typography. The examples in Elam’s book are drawn from advertising, both print and on-line. But you can apply these ideas to each piece you design.
Grid use is not only useful for high impact advertising; interactive tutorials should also be thoughfully designed. How does type placement affect learning? Where is the best place to put navigation buttons? Check out Elam’s book and watch your designs change for the better.
Amazon has it on sale right now for dirt cheap.
