Standard Sizes
Developed comprehensive standard size list for WeWork’s canvas and framed artwork production
Limits size selection from artists’ choice down to 26 options (in imperial and metric) within 4 ratios (1:1, 2:3, 3:2, 3:4)
Selected based on historical research of most used sizes and aesthetic guidelines from Global Art Director
Allows for robust library of assets configured to all sizes within the same ratio
Facilitates negotiations with production vendors to define pricing, and allows for more accurate project budgeting
Preceded the creation of accurate installation guidelines and specifications for space standards
Size Survey
We began by gathering as much data on the sizes the team had already been utilizing. This information was sourced from our internal records, as well as our past vendor orders.
Ratio Selection
Sizes with 6 or more instances were grouped by ratio to determine which were most popular. Ratios that only had one instance (5:6, 8:9, and 86:65) were eliminated. From an aesthetic standpoint, 4:5 & 5:4 were ultimately eliminated, as they were visually similar to 3:4 & 4:3. 2:3 was also removed because while the ratio functions well in landscape orientation, it looks overly elongated in vertical format.
Finalized List
After narrowing down the ratios, we expanded the sizes within the categories by 1-ft increments on one side. Sizes were then added or culled based on production limitations or historical knowledge of design needs, and then translated into metric with the help of international teams.
The resulting 26 imperial sizes effectively cut the initial 48 surveyed sizes by almost 50% and ensured a working system of ratios that would allow designs to scale easily without cropping.
These 26 sizes (52 including metric) created a system of building blocks to continue designing further standards such as the installation research and space standards.