In a grid structure, topics are arranged in rows and columns, which is a familiar and easily accessible matrix. Each topic has a unique address: the combination of its row and column positions (Horton, 1994). The classic grid presents information along these two dimensions as a table. However, not all grids resemble tables.
Consider the following applications for organizing by grid:
A reference manual for a computer software program
For every user command, there are headings such as Purpose, Format, Options, and Examples. These headings appear on each page. Reading all information about a single command is like reading across a row.
A troubleshooting guide that lists common error messages and
instructions for dealing with them
For every error message, the following headings are displayed: Cause, Action, Technical Notes, and See Also. All information about a single error message is contained in a row or within a single page.
A decision tree to help readers make decisions about tasks they
need to perform
For every task readers can perform, the prerequisites and high-level actions they need to take are listed. Links lead to additional information about these actions (such as detailed step-by-step instructions).
The grid is an ideal structure for topic-based documents when
each topic has the same subtopics.
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Last Updated: May 2, 2001
(c)2000 by Alysson Troffer. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce or redistribute any material from this document, in whole or in part, without written permission.