Layout Essentials: 100 Design Principles for Using Grids (Design Essentials)

Tondreau makes very few assumptions about readers' foreknowledge of grids and as such, jumps right into the fundamentals within the first 20 pages. Tondreau provides a vocabulary for grids that might seem obvious at first (i.e. columns, modules, margins, spatial zones, and flowlines), but also explains complex grid systems (i.e. hierarchical grids, modular, multicolumn) and methodologies for implementing them (i.e. typography, color, media forms, etc). What makes the book interesting and eliminates it from simply being a reference guide is the constant use of real world projects that illustrate the grid principle being addressed as well as a source of inspiration. In addition, the book makes a conscious effort to inform readers that there is a difference between `principles' and `rules' and designers should not 'lock' into a paradigm that stifles creativity.I strongly recommend that this book be read not only by designers, but by anyone person that builds interfaces that will be viewed by large audiences. It will only improve the quality of the final product.

To be honest I was sticking between this book and "Making and Breaking the Grid" and I'm so glad I got this book. This book is NOT a history and it's NOT a book that's rule for rule. It doesn't say "If x is y then do z." This book is about covering the basics of grid design. Yes it does go through 100 principles that are basically tips on how to use a grid in different from ways but it also encourages the designer's creativity. It reminds me almost of a beginner's guide or reference book. Its filled with plenty of examples yet only gives very short descriptions. However, with this type of concept, it's better to show rather than tell.

At first I wasn't sure what to make of it becasue it just looked like a list of principles. But the author has put si that one truely builds upon the other and I found my self referring between them, back a forth. Great for building concepts in the old noggin. And I loved the photographs and illustrations!

Layout Essentials: 100 Design Principals for Using Grids doesn't actually deliver design principals, they're just platitudes. Here are some examples: “Avoid crowding,” “Avoid overcrowding,” “Design with ample margins,” “Pack it in.” What the book does deliver is a well-chosen selection of excellent page layouts, most based on applications of grid principals, though a few make you scratch your head. (There is an illustrated compendium of grid layout terms on the first pages.) The author even applies the same principal to the layout and comments of the pages that illustrate the particular principal chosen, so the book design itself is excellent and quite clever.What the author does not deliver is solutions to today's designers' main challenge: keeping a consistent look and grid design over printed pages, computer screens, and personal device displays. The book is focused almost entirely on printed pages or posters.Nevertheless, the examples shown are brilliant and inspirational and the author's comments well-taken. Also of note is that many of the designers of the featured examples are women; nice to see a stereotype broken. All in all, the book is well-worth its cost.

I am a graphic designer and googled “books every graphic designer should read” this was in the top 10 and it has really made an impact in how I arrange my work. It has definitely helped how well I put together my compositions.

Someday, one of these design book authors is going to figure out that there are many more folks doing legal, technical, medical, and financial writing than ever before and guide us to design page layouts that help us reach our readers. The first chapter of this book is fantastic because the grid and its variations are clearly explained. After that, the examples are full-color projects that are really gorgeous. Maybe I am not in the intended audience for this book -my projects are not even printed in color, so black and white examples would have really helped.There are many great examples using photos, color, and other design elements but not much on how to size them to each other- this is an issue when providing instructions that are accompanied by illustrations. Using the grid, I would have like to see "before and after" examples, a case study, or instruction-with-verification layouts. To conclude, this book is beautifully printed and inspiring, but I definitely did not get what I needed to layout a technical publication with some interesting layout variations.

Great book! Helpful for layouts and information. Perfect for anyone wanting to do graphic design. Has lots of great tips and pictures. Easy to understand.

A good overall display and discussion of grids in design. Many design students (and professionals) have not had adequate instruction and/or practice in this area so this is an excellent starting point. An important addition to any designer's library.