A two-level model for graphic design process with grids 

Contexts in source publication

Context 1

... than a tool or method’ may look like a trivial step but it is a crucial one as it opens the door of applying design theories to understand and articulate grids in graphic design. The designer is treated here as user which is consistent with Gero and Kannengiesser’s approach for Representational affordances in design [28] . Making the conceptual model of grid ( figure 2) more explicit gives us two levels as shown in figure 3. Here, the grid is considered as a designed object at the first level and designer is the user. Designer, then at the second level, uses the grid to design visual for expected viewer. Treating grid as a design gives more focus on grid itself and use of grid is separated from the effect of designed visual. The main advantage of this two-level model is the applicability of design research methodology like FBS model in the study of grids. The discussion of grids in graphic design is characterized by lots of subjec- tivity, which results in the ambiguity of representation of design process. Treating grid as a design, rather than a design tool, allows us to implement various established frameworks to explain the process better. FBS framework s proved effective in the articulation of design process. Although FBS framework is claimed to be generic representation of all design domains including graphic design, it is rarely evaluated for actual graphic design process in practice. In this paper, FBS framework is extended for this practical tool in graphic ...

Context 2

... grid as design activity is analyzed based on Function-Behaviour- Structure schema. This schema can be useful to articulate the use of grids in graphic design process. It can then be possible to create a computational model. Such model can facilitate the use of grids in new digital media. It can help designer to use grids more creatively. The process of graphic design with grids can be articulated by FBS framework with FBS path for each of the two levels as shown in figure 3. In this framework, function, behaviour, and structure are assumed to be connected with each other by processes that transform these states into each other. Out of eight processes shown in figure 4, reformulation processes are omitted here for simplicity. These omitted processes are secondary in order and can be considered after maturation of the initial concept. The processes retained for the explanation are formulation, synthesis, analysis, evaluation, and documentation. As explained above, there are two levels- 1) grid level and 2) visual level. On visual level, function of a visual is to communicate with viewer effectively. Aesthetic pleasure can be primary or secondary function. The Behaviour is defined by the hierarchy, order, harmony of elements and other visual means by which the communication is received. Structure can be understood by various visual elements, their shapes, colours, respective spacing, typography, and placement with respect to each other. On grid level, function is to assist designer to channel the behaviour of visual by controlling order, hierarchy, harmony etc. Behaviour of grid is ‘the possibilities it creates’ for designer to follow, like alignments, spatial divisions etc. And structure is the physical form and description of grid. Hence, there are two FBS paths representing ‘making of visual’ and ‘making of grid’. However, the process of designing a visual involves making of a/the grid as an intrinsic part of the process. The two paths should be connected to each other by the flow of causality. For articulating the knowledge of applying grid, it is essential to understand how these two frameworks are connected to each other and the correlation between them. To connect these two paths, let us examine the process of visual design based on grids. The process of ‘creating grid for a particular visual and creating the visual based on it’ is hardly ever articulated. The design literature, in the form of books, booklets and web pages, demonstrate ...