La modular grid, is a grid that divides the available space into modules, which, measured in height and length by the number of lines and words (respectively) that fit in them, ensure the perfect alignment of texts and images in the design.
Generally and for a long time, the use of the modular grid has been associated with the creative processes of the world Editorial y web, and Although in recent years new technologies have completely transformed these fields, until very recently, the rigidity of these environments forced to establish an order in the design area that provided harmony y readability to the end result.
Modernist design and the Swiss School
However, the use of these grids, beyond technical considerations, has come to champion a whole style, mainly represented by designers. modernists, who had their strongest affiliation in the Swiss school with proper names like those of Massimo Vignelli o Josef Muller Brockmann. It was the latter who, in 1968, published a construction manual of grid systems that, in addition to ending up becoming one of the bibles of graphic design of all time, completely changed the method of many designers from all over the world and times, among which I am.
Design by Massimo Vignelli
And it is that, although in any design study program worth its salt, the student usually learns to build a grid as an initiation to the layout of any publication, it was thanks to Brockmann that many of us discovered a whole aesthetic concept created from a resource that printed beauty to order, and beautifully ordered the elements of the work.
Design by Joseff Müller Brockman
Clash of Styles
As in art, technique and style are often controversial among creators. With the arrival of the late 70's and during the 80's, the need to break down barriers and order led to the call Post-modernist design to seek expressiveness in Chaos. With people like Stefan Sagmeister o David carson , the order gave way to creation without rules, the sober and diaphanous space gave way to punk, to histrionic dirt, to the breaking of all barriers.
Design by David Carson
The great are the great
Beyond artistic confrontations, we have seen how the passing of the years has given the creative many possibilities, which have visually enriched the world with an infinite variety of results, these being able to accommodate more easily, (In the case of graphic design), to the needs of each client. However, there are those who have turned their style into an art with a stamp, causing customers to come directly in search of an exclusive piece to promote their product. And it is precisely there, where we have been able to verify how the modernist design and using the grids, have created a timeless aesthetic y elegance that transcends fashions, lasts over time and continues to create school. And it is that, who would not want a piece by Massimo Vignelli adorning his the packaging? o Would any imaging department hesitate to use an original work by Ikko tanaka to promote an event?
Design by Ikko Tanaka
Cheer up!
If you've never tried, I encourage everyone to think your own grids, then work them on paper and use them when you have the opportunity. If you are lovers of visual order, if you enjoy the simplicity shown by those non-ornate designs, with font Helvetica and few colors, which play with blank spaces seeking harmony between margins, texts and images ... It is quite possible that the modular grid is the tool you need.
This way of working requires a process that is not without complexity, and this era of crazy pace (and low prices) does not usually leave us the necessary margin to prepare our projects as it would be necessary. But, if at any time you have the desire and the time to generate a grid catalog with more or less standard sizes, which can be used at the time of think up a sketch, the time spent aligning and ordering each piece will be less, and the results alone will be greatly appreciated.