A
system comprising templates for entering and displaying information / data, such as in a
Web page or browser, or in the interface for
software or an
operating system is disclosed. The screen is divided into an array of grids filling the entire area of the template. At least one, and preferably a majority of the grids are dimensioned based on the proportions of traditional Japanese tatami mats. The grids guide design decisions made by the interface designer or
graphics designer in
carving up and organizing a page, creating an underlying structure and framework for laying out and displaying the information / data. A primary application of the template is in interface and
website design, in which the template automatically divides the screen into frames, each frame being used to enter, edit and / or display information on the computer screen or
Web page. The
system optionally allows an end-user to reposition the grids within the template, reorganizing the information / data to suit specific needs. The
system also has application to the control of the directional flow of language, wherein repositionable grids are oriented to facilitate vertical or horizontal flow of text positioned within said grids.