Design Context: Week 2

Cannons and Grids;

Van De Graaf;

A gridded page is much like scaffolding for a building.
It is structure that elements can be organised.
A grid will help continuity to be maintained and information digested with flow.
the Van de Graaf canon is a historical reconstruction of a method that may have been used in book design to divide a page in pleasing proportions.
This canon is also known as "secret canon" used in many medieval manuscripts and incunabula.
The construction of Van de Graaf's canon, works for any page width:height ratio.
Use this to get symmetrical layouts for books e.t.c.
Also use this to do Asymmetrical layouts.

Octavia;
The text area and margin proportions are determined by starting page proportions

My attempt at Van de Graaf's canon;

Leading;

Column width is more that just design or format.
It is also based on legibility.
Printed Collateral (text) is read by the eye of a distance of 30-35cm.
According to empirical rule there should be 7 words per line for a text of any length.
To keep the type area light and open (in appearance) we must consider the leading.
i.e. The vertical distance from the line to line which suits the size of the type.

Width of a column;

Overlong text lines tire the eye, as do overshort ones.
Readers find overlong lines strenuous to read.
This is because too much energy is spent on keeping the horizontal line in sight over a long distance.
A column is easier to read if it is wide enough to fit in average 10 words per line.
The key is ease of reading.
Text must not impair the rythm of reading.
This can not apply to titles and subtitles.
Advertising functions require headings to standout and be absorbed by the eye. Its function is to sell.
Are columns just aesthetic creatures?

What works;
15pt sans serif
17pt leading

20pt sans serif
24pt leading

24pt sans serif
28pt leading

28pt sans serif
32pt leading

Margin Proportions;

Margins can have a influence on the overall feel of a page of print.
Too small - looks over full.
Too large - exaggeration.
Well balanced margins on the sides, head and tail can create an agreeable impression.
Same sized margins can never generate an interesting page design.
They generate the impression of indecision and dullness. (1by1by1by3)
Is it all just about aesthetics?

The type area;