When comparing Grid Systems in Graphic Design vs The Design of Everyday Things, the Slant community recommends The Design of Everyday Things for most people. In the question“What are the best books to read on user experience and design?” The Design of Everyday Things is ranked 3rd while Grid Systems in Graphic Design is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose The Design of Everyday Things is:
This book isn't focused on recent trends or properties specific to a certain field, and thus applies to all design. It provides a broad view and allows focusing on the fundamental goals of the user experience, rather than being limited in scope.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Very in-depth guide to grid theory
This book delves into the history of grids, the best methods for fully utilizing grids, and provides plenty of examples for a better understanding.
Pro Transcendental principles
This book isn't focused on recent trends or properties specific to a certain field, and thus applies to all design. It provides a broad view and allows focusing on the fundamental goals of the user experience, rather than being limited in scope.
Pro Focused on the user
Whatever that's being designed, for whatever purpose, it always has the same goal of being used by someone. This book is focused on that interaction and on why users make mistakes. These principles still apply directly to web design, when design leads users to make mistakes, it will ultimately drive users away.
Cons
Con Outdated
Examples are fairly outdated, with frequent mentions of technologies that are no longer used (such as photo typesetting).
Con Quite dated
Examples are quite old, as are the illustrations.
Con A lot to read
It's quite a long read, there is a lot of material to be covered, if you compare it to similar but more concise books, like The Non-Designer's Design Book.
Con Not specifically for web design
This book challenges the reader to think about the design of all objects, and their user-friendliness/usability. It is not specifically targeted towards web designers, but will help web designers think in a way that benefits users.