We consider an approximate approach to the description of complex space-time structures in different types of excitable media based on the kinematics of autowave fronts. Because of the generality and relative simplicity of the kinematic approach, it is possible to obtain analytical results for different types of autowave motion in two and three-dimensional excitable media. The kinematic approach is used to treat steady-state autowave structures and also to study the evolution of autowaves in inhomogeneous, time-dependent and anisotropic media.