Similar to our previous readings, the idea of designing with a purpose, with functionality at the forefront is what stood out to me. Josef Müller-BrockMann and Karl Gerstner both approached design in a systematic way – based on the use of grids. I think it is safe to say that they looked at grids as a way to create a design that is successful in being functional and direct. Gerstner said it best, “…not to make creative decisions as prompted by feeling but by intellectual criteria,” (58). When we are able to design with a purpose and without including our personal feelings, the creative process is that much greater.

Compared to Müller-BrockMann, Gerstner has a direct system when it comes to grids, in which he created the “the morphological box of the typogram.” A concept that allows one to follow a system within a design, to convey consistency. Müller-BrockMann’s approach is more general, he details the benefits of grids in his article and gives insight into how the grid system “implies the will to systematize” (63). He states, “Working with the grid system means submitting to laws of universal validity,” (63). The grid systems gives one the ability to incorporate the qualities of a good design – a design that is essential, objective and has a sense of form. 

Jan Tschichold believed a great design is functional and sharp, consisting of elements that elevate the design. Typography should be the main focus of a design that includes a lot of text. The use of ornaments, as Tschichold often refers to in his piece, can be seen as a distraction or overpowering detail within a design. He directly makes this claim when he stated, “it is obvious that functional design means the abolition of the “ornamentation” that has reigned for centuries. . . .”.  When we design with a purpose and incorporate details that improve the functionality, we are able to develop a great design. Tschichold emphasized the importance of clarity through his article, a concept that plays a key role in design. A good design is clean and uncluttered, consisting of clear type and few font sizes. A design should present a sense of harmony, as all aspects in it tend relate to bounce off each other.