Columns Part 2
2nd edition — by Patrick McNeil — Aug. 3, 2006
The Design Element
Clearly the usage of columns is nothing original. This collection of
links has two main goals. One is to show how some sites seem to emphasize
the usage of columns, and others have done creative things with the whole
column idea.
One site that stands out to me as a good example of emphasizing the
column structure is the
McCoy
site. It has extended the split between the columns to include the banner
across the top.
One of the most creative usages of columns from this set can be found
on the
Vahagn Art Gallery
site. They have only a tiny amount of copy and they render each set in
it's own distinct column.
Something else I find really interesting is how the column structure
can serve as a grid for laying in elements on the page. This is quite
clear on
mediainspiration.com
where you can easily see the 7 column grid they have worked within. It
has a really solid feel to it.
This is admittedly a rather boring topic, but even the most rudimentary
of elements can require some inspiration. Hopefully this will encourage
us to try a bit of a different layout then we might normally go with.
I am certainly stuck in the 3 column mind set and it feels good to explore
other options.
Sample Usage
Links
A List Apart: Best 3 column layout technique
One
True Layout
One
True Layout - Interactive Example
inknoise - layout-o-matic
glish.com css layout
techniques
BlueRobot layout reservoir
Max Design css based layouts
Resolution
dependent layout (great for column configuration changes
dependent on browser size)
