Why should lines be avoided in tables?

Question

I read some books about typography and design. They all recommended to avoid lines in tables, and instead to make use of spacing. I found that reasonable and adhered henceforth to those rules.Recently I ran into discussions with spreadsheet users, who doubted these rules and argued that grid-lines are better since all programs have them turned on by default.I also read an article that explained the problem with lines: the human eye first has to remove them before it can focus on the content of the table. If somebody would know this one or similar scientific findings about perception of data, I would be glad as well.Is it in fact better to avoid lines? Why? Do you have any references you could provide to back this up with?

Answer 1

Graphic design and people who use spreadsheets are very different worlds. I see where the writer would be coming from that the strokes would add heaviness to the design. Basically, we want designs to be beautiful and simple. Spreadsheets are not beautiful for simple. I would say when it comes to designing tables, you will have to take the amount of information into consideration. If it is a large table with a lot of information, you will want come lines - even if they are muted.

When you are sharing information, make sure it still communicates its ideas. If taking the lines out makes the space cluttered and hard to follow - you will want lines. If the lines make you design seem busy, you can take the lines out. That is the designer touch. We have to effectively communicate while making something pleasing to look at.

I think this is all up to you as the designer. Does your information communicate best with or without lines?