There has been a healthy discussion based on this post, please read the edit I added summarising these discussions at the end of the post.
I don’t use a pre-defined grid. I never have. I don’t design to a grid in Photoshop. I don’t code to a grid and I don’t use a grid based framework.
If you have been reading my previous posts you’ll already know that I don’t use an HTML & CSS framework. It’s not that I’m not a fan of grids, I am. They have their place and they are needed.
What I don’t like about grids is the formulaic and lazy nature of their usage
What I don’t like about grids like is the formulaic and lazy nature of their usage, for me design isn’t always about convention and what has gone before. Design is about breaking some or all of the rules. I don’t want every project to be the same, I want to design every single element. I’ll come up with new and consistent padding and margin rules for each project. If I come up with a grid layout it may not be 33.333% and 66.666% it may be 43.3333% and 56.6666%.
Why
Well it’s simple really, I work really hard to make sure every project I work on is different. When I sit down with the client be it face-to-face, on the phone or skype/hangout, I like to get down to the bare bones of what the client wants, down to every detail of their business and what they need from me. I get particularly excited when I have the opportunity to break the mould or do something quirky with the layout. If the project doesn’t need that kind of flavour I can still design to their brand, business needs and their content by using a different approach to their layout with padding, white space and margin than I perhaps would have on the last project.
Trends
I want to be a trendsetter with my design work, I’m not there yet, but it doesn’t mean I can’t keep trying.
As designers, surely we are trying to push the boundaries, try new things and get a higher level of engagement from our audience?
That being said, trends tend to dictate design and this is pretty sad, grids are not helping us break away from the trends. There are so many websites with the same grid setup, so many. You can argue convention, UX and design patterns here – but what are we really trying to do? As designers, surely we are trying to push the boundaries, try new things and get a higher level of engagement from our audience?
Don’t use grids by default
For your next project don’t use a pre-defined grid. Clear those guidelines, make them up as you go, delete the .col-1, col-2, .one-third, .two-thirds classes from your CSS. Break the mould, do something different, be creative. Be the next trendsetter.
Tell me what you think
I’d love to hear what other designers are doing in the wild world of web design. Do you always use a grid? Do you never use a grid? Do you have an awesome layout you want to share? Please let me know in the comments below.
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* EDIT 13th June 2016: I’m getting some heat on a few things over Twitter, Comments on DesignerNews and in the comments here for three things…
- All the negative feedback on this post seems to originate from the sensationalist title I’ve given it. This was actually me trying to be clever and referencing the film The Matrix with the “There is no spoon…” line. This post could equally be called “Why I don’t use pre-defined grids and why I don’t use the same grid on every project, preferring to roll my own each time and often even beginning a project without one” – not as snappy but probably more accurate! If you actually read the post, I’m not telling people that I don’t use any grids and that grids don’t exist, I am however saying that I am a fan of them and if the project allows breaking them is worth thinking about. My main issue with grids is their implementation, designers need to think about what they are using to design with and whether they even need to start with a grid in the first place.
-
I’m egotistical because I want to be a trendsetter. This is a tongue in cheek comment, people that know me and followers of my blog know this. I’m actually pretty wary of attention, I don’t particularly like it. I hate birthday’s for this reason, I do not like being the centre of attention.
-
I wrongly or rightly claimed that “Design is Subjective” on DesignerNews and people have jumped straight onto that comment. I’m not really going to debate my stance on design being subjective, inherently humans are subjective but I can see the point of view that design is an objective tool. I need to think about this properly before I make a decision on that one.
I do want to say thank you to everyone who has taken the time to comment, even the people who vehemently argued their points of view. I’m glad I sparked some discussion, even if some of it came from misunderstanding my original point of view.
Please also read Daniel’s rebuttal blog post called There is Definitely a Grid.
Naresh Bingi Jun 10, 2016 at 10:54 am
Hey Chris wharton,
That’s the good one, I’m also having the same thing in my mind, I used to tell people and make them understand, but you know again they’re going back and using the same plate :D
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 10:55 am
Thanks Naresh, its good to know I’m not the only one :)
David Bachmann Jun 10, 2016 at 11:12 am
Good article. I recommend people try out Susy (http://susy.oddbird.net/) for their CSS layouts, if they are using floats. Otherwise get to know Flexbox (http://flexbox.io/).
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 12:38 pm
Good resources there, thanks for commenting David.
Cesar Ganimi Jun 10, 2016 at 11:34 am
You say that you want to be a trendsetter, but find trends dictating design sad. I don’t understand.
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 12:39 pm
A trendsetter that promotes uniqueness in design obviously. I have no real motivation to be a trendsetter, I’m not setting out to be one that’s for sure. It would kind of be nice to be one though as a by-product of my efforts :)
Ludvik Herrera Jun 10, 2016 at 5:17 pm
I believe Cesar’s point, perhaps not, is that trendsetting and uniqueness are antonyms, or at the very best is a dichotomy. To be unique, you don’t set a trend, the minute you set a trend, there is no uniqueness.
Thus, your statement “I want to be a trendsetter with my design work, I’m not there yet, but it doesn’t mean I can’t keep trying.” contradicts the proposition of uniqueness.
Promoting the thought of being unique is fantastic, and that is a principle and a mindset, not so much a trendsetter.
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 8:31 pm
Can you be a trendsetter in advocating uniqueness? If so, that’s what I mean :) Maybe I should have used another term, maybe I shouldn’t have – but it’s got people talking which is probably a good thing!?
Frederico Soares da Silva Jun 10, 2016 at 11:48 am
Great article!
But nowadays some people just care about the money… which is easier when you use a “recipe” for your projects. It’s really sad.
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 12:40 pm
Hi Frederico, there is a time and a place for recipes I think and you’re right, it completely depends on what you’re aiming for and at.
George Jun 10, 2016 at 11:52 am
Great to hear it, Chris! I can’t imagine just copy and pasting a grid from a previous project, nor did I know people even did that before reading this – you’ve sort of reassured me and worried me at the same time!
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 12:41 pm
Everything has happened at least once George :)
Geffrey Bos Jun 10, 2016 at 11:56 am
It is hard to make people understand that pre-defined grids/columns are literally guidelines. They are not rules – the design police will not stomp on your door. Thanks for putting it into words. Definitely sharing this with some people. Spreading the word y’know.
I like grids (heck my entire website is a grid) – but hey, “break the grid a bit”, we’d have a lot more creative designs. Thanks for the good read!
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 12:42 pm
The design police… oh oh I’m pretty sure they’ll be after me for some of my past efforts! Quick – better close down the blog! But yes, in all seriousness grids are fine and often needed, but lets try and jazz things up a bit shall we, disrupt the flow in a good way for the right reasons.
Rahul R Jun 10, 2016 at 12:25 pm
I felt the same, you are right. It limit or freedom to do new things
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 12:43 pm
Thanks Rahul, I don’t think grids necessarily limit, I just think they are used as a default sometimes and basic decisions are taken out of the equation because of this.
Jonny Jun 10, 2016 at 12:54 pm
I have a different opinion tbh.
Grids are everywhere, not just in web design, pretty much all design and beyond.
Grids are useful because they allow designers to create adaptable solutions for all manner of screens, and keep you true to your design language and patterns, these are fundamental aspects of design that help communicate to the user what you want them to do.
However, I personally would never start any concepts using a grid, I often start with a “loose” approach, sketching or just freestyle in your application get a feel for the brand, then create the grid that will glue your design together from page to page. Create your own grid that makes sense for what you want to achieve. You do not have to rely on boilerplate solutions.
You can break the grid to achieve more organic interesting layouts – indeed, most of the sites you will see on Awwwards, FWA etc follow a grid – whether that’s 2 columns or 24+.
Examples :
resn.co.nz
hpmagicwords.com.br
navigatingresponsibly.dk
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 12:57 pm
Thanks Jon, actually I think we have a very similar opinion and I completely agree with you. I start without a pre-defined grid and build layout rules as I build out the design. Some times that uses a grid system unique to a project, some times it follows a more conventional grid, some times it is a consistent use of paddings and margins.
thibaud Jun 10, 2016 at 1:11 pm
Not having is design restricted or guided by a grid is certainly a good thing.
But, be aware that in the end if your design is effective you will be able to draw a “grid” on it.
because lining things up (and of course also breaking the alignment) just plays a major role in the design process.
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 1:32 pm
Oh yes, of course you’re going to want to keep layout, padding and margins consistent thibaud.
Daniel Ferro Jun 10, 2016 at 9:31 pm
Yeah as chris said of course you need some basic things aligned. I believe what Chris is referring to when he talks about grids is when designers have every single element align exactly to an invisible 12, 16, XX number column grid system. I personally don’t use a grid either..I just have consistent margins for page content. header, footer, cards etc.
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 9:45 pm
Exactly Daniel!
Jeremy Silver Jun 10, 2016 at 11:23 pm
Having consistent margins and padding is what helps define the grid. Can you post a link to an example you’re referring to?
Paul Radzkov Jun 10, 2016 at 1:49 pm
I respect your philosophy but I have an opposite vision on grids usage.
Every new project I start with a grid. I open a blank document and create simple 8-column grid with wide gutters. That is my defaults. Fonts, colours, visual style not chosen yet. There are only content and grid. So when I’m putting content on the page I have to choose only what gridline to stick, that one or nearest. I don’t need to choose from endless number of variants, I’m choosing from only a few variants. That speeds up the process.
Grid saves my time on making decisions. My decisions are not random.
When I see that current grid doesn’t let me layout content perfectly I make a new one: changing number of columns, gutter width and adjusting content to new grid. On large projects I may completely rebuild grid 4-5 times.
Grid for me is a tool to reduce number of my decisions and to make my decision consistent. Grid helps me to focus.
As for modern frameworks — sometimes using them ‘as is’ could be painful.
I made my own grid builder. I can configure it as I want for every project. 12, 8, 7 or 5 columns grid — easy. One column fixed-width, the rest is fluid — easy. I have freedom with coding, no limits.
https://github.com/paulradzkov/grid
The trick is not be a slave of the grid.
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 4:12 pm
Everyone has their different processes but it’s good to hear you don’t let the grid rule you!
DA Holman Jun 10, 2016 at 3:35 pm
Ha! Love the fact that this piece is written by a guy who sells WordPress themes ?
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 4:13 pm
Yes I do as a side project. Does that mean I’m not qualified to talk about what I do and believe?
Horacio Jun 10, 2016 at 3:36 pm
Do you know any articles or places where I can learn more about designing with your own grids? Or you recommend to just “be yourself and draw some lines to contain your content and do it slightly different every time you start a new project”, heh.
Cheers!
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 4:11 pm
Hey if sounds like you need to check out Eric’s recommendation in these comments :)
Horacio Jun 10, 2016 at 4:15 pm
Cool! Where can I find Eric’s comment?
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 9:48 pm
Sorry I meant Evan https://chriswharton.me/2016/06/there-is-no-grid/#comment-2389
evan kosowski Jun 10, 2016 at 3:58 pm
I love your thinking here. I must say that it depends entirely on what you are creating / designing. Small portfolio websites, marketing websites, promo/micro sites…sure, you dont need a grid. When you are designing complex systems and large projects with who knows how many different designers/developers from who knows how many teams, you need a grid. Grids give designers and developers across networks and platforms a guideline to live by. They almost act as a styleguide for layout. If I designed a complex product or website and handed it off to the in-house team who is using overseas developers for iteration and upkeep, im sure you would start to see the thing fall apart as far as cleanliness and consistency.
You are right, you are allowed to “break the grid” but there still should be an underlying grid established.
Go grids!
PS. the graphic design 101 book “Making and BREAKING the Grid” is a really great handbook for finding balance.
Eric Giova Jun 10, 2016 at 4:19 pm
You never use a grid “by default” actually. You use a grid you need.
If you have to work on a magazine, a newspaper or a book, you’ll adapt your grid to each necessity. The same process apply to web sites.
One more reason to encourage designers to “wireframe”, or sketch, their layouts before coding or touching their computers.
We must respect the standards until they don’t respect us.
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 8:28 pm
Thanks Eric
Lewis Jun 10, 2016 at 5:05 pm
Hello Chris.
I think if you are working on different projects, it does warrant a different set of rules for sure.
Personally, I find grids useful for rapid development, especially when handing work over to developers. But if you use the same grid for every project, your work runs a risk of becoming too familiar.
What your saying in your article makes sense, but as people have mentioned above, the patterns and rules you create will probably form some sort of grid even if you tried to avoid it.
My advice would be to use a grid system, just not the same one for each project.
What are your thoughts on grids in design ecosystems? Surely when you are designing for a large brand you’ll need to provide a rulebook to keep consistency post-launch?
Great thoughts Chris.
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 8:29 pm
Like I said in the post I don’t have a problem with grids – its their implementation that isn’t as considered as it should be which leads to a formulaic design response without factoring in layout variants. If it’s a large brand I think you’d end up rolling your own grid and set of rules which will of course need to be documented accordingly.
Nathan Chase Jun 10, 2016 at 5:24 pm
Yeah, I’ve never used the grid components of a framework. I usually use a CSS reset and that’s about it. Everything else is mostly semantic – we already have main, aside, section, article, div – there’s no real reason to clutter up the html with endless layout classes. Just use a class name that the content helps to dictate, apply your media queries accordingly, and you’ll never have a need for a grid system.
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 8:31 pm
Thanks Nathan
Kim Goulbourne Jun 10, 2016 at 5:37 pm
Glad I found this. I always thought I was a bad designer for not using grids most of the time but I love the way you’ve framed your reason why. I love watching trends and equally love trying to push the boundaries of them and creating more unique design.
Thanks for voicing your opinion! :)
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 8:32 pm
Thanks Kim it’s good to hear this post helped you to believe in yourself again!
Helder Cervantes Jun 10, 2016 at 6:07 pm
I totally agree. I have a theory that most people use grids or frameworks out of laziness or lack of knowledge to make responsive design work. Master floats, displays, clears and you don’t need frameworks anymore.
I go about as barebones as possible in terms of CSS. Steer clear of preprocessors even. I try to write clear rules, simple, organized and readable.
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 8:32 pm
Interesting thoughts Helder on your design process, thank you.
Jayson Hobby Jun 10, 2016 at 6:23 pm
Chris,
Always respect the taking a stance and getting your opinion out there. I think it helps not only you, but all of us form our opinions and thoughts better.
However! I think you’re selling the grid short : ). There are so many variations of grids that can be made between column layouts, modular grids, etc. Sure, if you’re using the same 12 col grid on every project, I can see where you’re coming from. But I’d really urge you to push the grid, come up with new ways to use it and explore some more unique grids. Make whatever grid you want, but keep it on the grid! The difference between a layout on grid vs. floating may not seem terrible different to a non-designer, but turning the 90% to 100% awesomeness really is night and day.
Keep fighting the good fight! Use the grid or don’t, thats just my opinion!
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 8:34 pm
Thanks Jayson, yes I’m more against the pre-defined grid -> no thought goes into it -> design is the same as the last one -> everything looks the same issue than not using a grid altogether.
SEO_rigami Jun 10, 2016 at 8:30 pm
Love the post. I have been feeling this “sameness” coming from my projects recently and haven’t been able to put a finger on it, but I think grid frameworks are a major contributor to design deja-vu.
It makes me think back to when I first started and I was completely ignorant to grids the boostraps/foundations. Experimentation was the vehicle that made new things possible. Now that I’ve been working in house jobs I find myself relying on these frameworks to remain agile as a one man team, and even after hours in my personal projects. They serve their purpose, but I think at the very least I’ll be stepping away from them for my next personal site in favor of making my own framework from scratch using something like drizzle, patternlab, or fabricator. In my mind it is more the use of the same framework between projects, even after heavy customization, that brings along with it a stale feeling than the use of grids at all.
I seem to recall some dungus saying make your own “tiny bootstraps” for every project. Maybe I will.
Chris Wharton Jun 10, 2016 at 8:36 pm
Thanks, that means a lot! I tend to roll a mini-framework/bootstrap/core code every project.
Rowan Jun 10, 2016 at 9:52 pm
This resonates with me Chris. While the components within a layout should be consistent with users’ expectations (the usability) I feel that the layout itself should be free from the shackles of convention. I rarely use frameworks, not only from a perfomance perspective but also as I feel the blank canvas approach frees me to think about the problem outside technology constraints.
Chris Wharton Jun 11, 2016 at 6:08 am
Thanks Rowan, I’m a big fan of starting with a blank canvas!
John Jun 10, 2016 at 10:38 pm
Chris, I have a great appreciation for your take on this subject. Setting aside the discussion as to whether to use a grid system or not, I would like to comment on the “uniqueness” conversation.
Depending on if you are trying to make a site that is what I will call “art” or something familiar and easily navigable by the user, “breaking the typical mold” can be interesting, but may also be disasterous. What is often defeating the goals of a site is when the user can’t find what they are looking for or use functionality in an expected manner.
There is often a disparity between design and business goals. I too often am frustrated by websites that waste my time on getting things done because the designer over ruled sensible business logic. Effective of these principles requires the careful balance and melding of both the designer’s and the business expert’s points of view. I think this fact of life is present in all kinds of disciplines and processes.
Unfortunately not all designers have business strength and vice versa. This is why working together with both points of view is crucial for keeping the visitor on the site long enough to get the reasons for visiting the site accomplished.
It’s difficult to meet everyone’s ideals and expectations. And yes, I agree, using grids does not guarantee success. We can draw freehand or use a computer. Both methods can produce art that is unique.
I appreciate your contribution to this discussion!
Chris Wharton Jun 11, 2016 at 6:07 am
Thanks John, I’m not saying do something that is crazy and kills the CPU of every visitor – like so many that we see on the “awards” sites. I’m saying sometimes you can break out of a grid or do something different in places to disrupt a grid flow and cause a positive effect on your audience to fit in line with a company’s business goals or brand.
John Jun 11, 2016 at 6:16 am
Chris, I think we do agree pretty much.
The craziness for me is when I can’t navigate, find things or get to things in an expected way to the point that I am lost.
We also agree that with in that consideration, it’s good to keep things fresh and think “outside the box” as long as navigation, functionality and such do not suffer. :)
Yep, grids are not a “must”. Even if I am using PS, AI or better yet, a pencil and paper, I rarely use a grid there. How we get things lined up “when and where necessary” is up to choice of many methods – YES!
Start with a blank slate if that “frees your mind” :)
I think we are mostly in agreement.
Good post Chris.
Chris Wharton Jun 11, 2016 at 6:34 am
Thanks John
Arun Jun 11, 2016 at 6:17 am
Found this as a response to this blog post. http://danieldelaney.net/there-is-definitely-a-grid
How do you react to this?
Chris Wharton Jun 11, 2016 at 6:35 am
Hi Arun, yes I saw Daniel’s post and I posted a comment on DesignerNews.co – here is my comment from there…
“Great article Daniel but I do think you’ve entirely missed the point of my original post. I’ve said do not use a pre-defined grid and do not use the same pre-defined grid every time – think about why and when to use grids and roll your own. I think people are getting confused with the title of the post which I guess is a little confusing but is purely a play on the “There is no spoon” line from the Matrix film. As for the strikethrough reference on link hover – I think people are intelligent enough to realise this is a visual style :)”
I absolutely love that this post has caused some discussion though, its good to get people’s passions fired up!
Matthijs Jun 11, 2016 at 11:46 am
I agree pretty much with you.
I find it very useful to desing a gird. but I use it more as a rule of thumb. It helps me to align objects and to have more consistency on my pages.
but with coding on the other hand, I do not use any frameworks or whatever. I find it much easier to do it myself.
Thanks for sharing your opinion!
John Jun 11, 2016 at 3:02 pm
It’s nice to say these things but in reality things just don’t look right unless there is some balance. On mobile it’s fairly easy because there is not so much horizontal space but as you get to larger widths I can’t see not using a grid if you have more than one column. Things just spattered all over the place. But that’s just me and I am way to analytical to be so willy nilly. Nice thought though and got me to comment so good job!
Chris Wharton Jun 15, 2016 at 9:39 am
Thanks John, I didn’t say remove balance – just think about how you want to design something before you slap the “usual” grid on.
Ricky Synnot Jun 15, 2016 at 3:06 am
I dont understand. This very website uses a CSS grid based framework to display content.
Hello, are you implying that designers who use grids are lazy?
I think there is a big difference between a lazy mindset, a weak work ethic, and the reliance on a grid structure to present information to users on the web in a uniform and expected way.
Grids enhance readability, comprehension and layout, irrespective of the content. They have been part of design since forever. Think like the coliseum. Since ancient greek architecture.
Today they’re being used on the web to organize content. You can still produce a horrible or beautiful design using a grid. It comes down to the designer, and their understanding of grid systems.
Chris Wharton Jun 15, 2016 at 9:43 am
Hi Ricky, I’m not sure if you read the edited post with the summary at the bottom – if not please read the summary. Picking up on some of your points: No I’m not implying designers are lazy if they use grids, I am saying that slapping on the same old grid every time without consideration is lazy and formulaic. This website does not use a grid based framework, it does conform to a hand-rolled grid though. Like I said I am a fan of grids, but so many designers don’t think about the design, the content and whether the grid can be broken or even start by not using one in the first place. It’s a project by project exercise for me. Most of the time I roll a hand made grid, not based on any of the popularised frameworks.
Mike Mai Jun 15, 2016 at 7:07 pm
I read the entire post and I agree with your points, however, they are mostly related to using frameworks, which you already wrote a post about. Taking a subset of that to create a new post with a click-bait title, is it necessary? You are not really passing on new knowledge here, and it is definitely understandable that fellow designers would flame you for it. If you want to be a trendsetter, don’t be yet another design critic, there are already plenty.
Chris Wharton Jun 15, 2016 at 7:46 pm
Hi Mike, thanks for reading. I’m not sure if you read the post entirely though as I’ve already addressed all of your points in the 13th June edit. The post isn’t about frameworks its about using pre-defined grids – I’m not talking about the code, I’m talking about the design. The “Click-bait” title I’ve already explained in the edit, I’ll know better next time. Trendsetter – again covered in the edit.
Mike Mai Jun 16, 2016 at 8:11 pm
No, you didn’t. Pre-defined grid is a huge part of every framework out there, the points you made are the downside of using a framework. If you switch the word “grid” with some other element—for example, “footer”—in this post, it wouldn’t make a difference. My point is that you already wrote about using framework extensively, this post is utterly unnecessary. Whatever your intention is with this post, it certainly contradicts with you claiming to be “wary of attention”. Regardless of why you picked this title, the fact that you did it, you should be well aware that heat and attention would come from it.
Chris Wharton Jun 16, 2016 at 8:17 pm
Hi Mike, our opinions differ, what can I say… you’ll like tomorrow’s post though, stay tuned for that :)
By the way, love your website!
Kauê Buriti Jun 16, 2016 at 1:35 am
Well, that’s a subject that i’m thinking a lot in the last times.
I really love grids, and i’m pretty sure that they exists, but, like the spoon, they can be manipulated and take the shape that we want!
When i have time, and that’s a important point, i usually create my own grid to the project’s needs.
But i never have been audacious, i usually don’t break a lot of rules, but i believe that each project has a specificy need.
And, hey, there’s no shame in try to be a trendsetter! We all should want that!
Congrats for the post, and sorry about my english o/
Chris Wharton Jun 16, 2016 at 8:15 pm
Thanks Kaué
Stefan Kovac Jun 17, 2016 at 7:06 pm
Maybe you can try ratio relationships aproach to dealing with layout? Element sizes are based on a scale and flexbox is great for that. Here is a great resource: http://alistapart.com/article/content-out-layout
I’ve created my own “layout system” — http://progressivered.com/fla/ which allows me to explore element relationship beyound grids.
However, there is no right or wrong way. We should just keep experimenting and found what works the best for us and given project. Once we understand that, well, that’s a good strat ;)
Cheers,
Stef
Chris Wharton Jun 17, 2016 at 7:28 pm
Thanks Stef, good insight and references, thank you.
Joe Snell Jun 17, 2016 at 7:11 pm
Nice article.
There is a place for a grid system. I think you agree.
Where the challenge lies is in automatically carrying forward the same grid system / layout parameters from one project to the next. I’ve seen this have an effect on design and build processes were things tend to feel all to ‘familiar.’
Release the grid chains and free up the process. Bring in a grid system when and where appropriate for the project – if a all. If you do bring in a grid system, don’t necessarily reuse the same system on every project. See what other options there may be to fit the design – or roll your own.
My two cents.
Chris Wharton Jun 17, 2016 at 7:28 pm
Hi Joe, yes I’m in agreement with you on all points, a good two cents well put!
John Jun 24, 2016 at 2:22 pm
Great article and I’ll start with if a designer doesn’t think design is subjective they are in the wrong field. Design is art and art is very much subjective end of story. As for a grid I like what you say and hey it’s up to you if you use over our not. If you are a designer I would bet it doesn’t take you more than a few seconds to see a site and go oh this is a Bootstrap design. So I see your point and is why I go with Foundation. Still a framework but one that will stay out of there way if you want. Thanks!
Jacob Jul 9, 2016 at 3:21 pm
I hardly ever use a grid system as well. I apply similar custom paddings and columns based on the project needs and at times use multiple per project which makes it all the more fun. Design is about solving a problem and not every problem can be solved the same. Grids have their place but I don’t use them too often. Great article.
Chris Wharton Jul 11, 2016 at 2:37 pm
Thanks Jacob!