Graphic Design - Absolute WIN

Problem: During development of the beta site, Absolute WIN needed a strong hero image for website branding. Also, we discovered when sharing links to our content, the thumbnail image did not display a desired image.

Research / Analysis: Facebook data scraper (and other similar web/social platforms) pulls the first image embedded into the webpage for the thumbnail. This image could not be applied site-wide due to limitations of the CMS; a custom image would need to be embedded in every page.

UX / UI considerations: As a new brand unknown to consumers, users needed to see examples of the subject matter, color and visual style of the website content offerings in one small image. Because the platforms determine how much of the image is displayed in thumbnail, the design needs to be safe from cropping on all sides. 

​Solution: We designed and implemented a 1x1 square image, featuring key scenes from tentpole content releases, to serve as a website hero and thumbnail image on all pages. Also, the image is used a wide variety of branding, design and digital marketing applications. The irregular rectangular shape of the inset photos offers maximum flexibility and safe zones for cropping by the platforms.

The Absolute WIN 1x1 hero header image, 2019

Screenshot from Facebook Messenger

Working in Adobe Photoshop