Vygotsky challenges Haas’ simple replacement model, noting it would be very unlikely because of “meditational means—that is, technology—is tied inextricably to social and cultural structures, on the one hand, and individual goals and practices on the other” (Haas, 212). Meditational means are the support behind many technologies such as <table>. The design for grid-based technology developed through the need to have information relayed properly. The human activity of reading a newspaper was translated into a grid-based design. A Vygotskian approach on studying technology suggests “multiple technologies for literacy exist”, “their history-of-use is complex and overlapping” and “technology’s uses are tied intrinsically to other human activities” (213). Aside from newspapers, other print items like articles and brochures are mimicked through grid technology. This original concept design remains for Grid and Flexbox, but as the technology improves it can be adapted to replicate almost any print source.
As Vygotsky proposes, technology is overlapping which is true with Flexbox and Grid. Instead of choosing Flexbox or Grid, using them together could create the best complex, responsive layout. Flexbox can be used for alignment of items and Grid for stability with nesting. Flexbox can act as a stand-alone layout design. The more it improves, the less designers will rely on technologies like Grid, which has more support. The transition from one technology to another can be slow, as seen in this case. Grid came out in 2007 and Flexbox in 2009. They were developed concurrently for several years, but Flexbox was not completely supported until October 2015.