From the outset my aim was to develop a grid system that didn't work off the common X number of columns techniques but rather a more visual, human structure. I also wanted a grid system where I could divide the page easily and equally into 2,3,4,5 and 6 columns - something you can't always do with a grid based on X columns ( 16 doesn't divide into 3, 24 doesn't divide into 5 etc )
I also set out to devise a grid system that would easily allow for resolution dependent layouts without being a fluid or elastic system, thereby allowing designers prescise control and known dimensions to work with, while catering to the wide range of screen resolutions on the desktop today - from the 1024 pixel wide screens of netbooks to widescreen displays with 1920 pixel and higher resolutions. The solution was a set of grid stylesheets that could be served to the browser depending on available resolution, all of which contain the same base structure you see below.