Study Task 7 - Development

Grid Systems  

Testing Grid Systems

After creating the initial grid systems for the prototype, the range was developed further to use a majority of the shapes found on Fonstruct. These designs were then tested to see how easy it was to use the grids and how effective each one was at allowing multiple letterforms and variations to be created. Some designs produced more recognisable letterforms whilst other were more abstract. For some grids it was found that the reverse of the grid was needed inorder to create symmetrical letterforms. These grids were duplicated then reflected and layered over the top of the original grid. This allowed rounded letters to be created within these grids enabling more options within the system. 

It was found that some shapes produced the same grid as another shape so duplicates were removed. Some shapes could also be found in other grids systems so the more effective grid was chosen. Some designs were found to be too complex to use because of the intricacy of the lines within the modules making them hard to follow. 

Refining the Grid Systems 

To refine the amount of grid systems used, similar grids were compared for the most effective and combined grids that created a copy of another grid were not used. When the grids were printed it was found that some of the grids were jarring to the eye, making it hard to follow the lines. To counteract this, thicker lines were used around each module to help break up the pattern making it easier to use.

From the left over grids these were further compared for any other similarities. It was also found that some of the more complex designs would need to be at a slightly larger scale than others for them to easily used. These designs would be at a 2 x 2cm scale rather than 1 x 1cm scale to allow more room for the lines within the module making them easier to follow.

The designs that needed to be at a 2 x 2cm scale were then printed full size to see whether they would work. Some were still too complex so this again reduced the amount of grids.
With some grids it was found that 'stars' were created at the corners of modules where multiple lines joined making a bit of an optical illusion, therefore making it difficult to concentrate on the actual grid system. With other grids it was hard to distinguish between modules when trying to repeat an element which meant straining to follow the grid. To solve both of these problems a basic square grid was applied over the original grid. This second grid had thicker lines which helped to distinguish between modules making the systems easier to follow. This technique is seen in conventional grids as a way of separating sections and for measurement.