Grid systems in graphic design

I’ve been a big fan of Josef Müller-Brockmann’s Swiss Style posters for a while and couldn’t pass up his 1981 book, widely considered a classic by graphic designers.

The book explains his process of developing a grid. He shows dozens of examples of different ways you can subdivide the grid and arrange content within it. He even shows how to apply his method to three dimensions.

I didn’t find it as interesting as others suggested it to be. I don’t think it’s a great primer on grids and fear some may equate Josef’s didactic style with grids themselves. Also, it’s dated and the insights are difficult to apply to responsive web design. It is, however, an insightful look into a single designer’s philosophy & methodology.