Start Size

Start Size is a fundamental concept in design and typography that refers to the initial dimensional specifications of a design project, document, or digital canvas before any modifications or scaling occurs. This critical parameter serves as the foundational measurement that influences the entire design workflow, from conceptualization to final execution, and plays a vital role in maintaining consistency and proportionality across various design elements. In digital design environments, start size encompasses both pixel dimensions and physical measurements, requiring designers to carefully consider factors such as screen resolution, viewing distance, and intended output medium. The concept gained particular significance with the advent of responsive design, where initial dimensions must accommodate various display scenarios while preserving design integrity. Historical development of start size considerations can be traced back to traditional print design, where paper formats and printing press capabilities dictated initial measurements, evolving into today's flexible digital paradigms. The selection of appropriate start sizes directly impacts user experience, accessibility, and design efficiency, making it a crucial consideration in professional design practice. In contemporary design competitions, including the A' Design Award, proper implementation of start size specifications often contributes to the overall evaluation of entries, particularly in digital design categories where scalability and adaptability are key assessment criteria. The concept encompasses both physical and virtual dimensions, requiring designers to consider aspects such as viewport sizes, printing specifications, and cross-platform compatibility while ensuring that the initial dimensions support the intended design objectives without compromising quality or functionality during subsequent modifications.

Author: Lucas Reed

Keywords: dimensions, specifications, measurements, scaling, responsive design, digital canvas, typography

Help us improve the Design+Encyclopedia, contribute your alternative definition for Start Size today!

About the Design+Encyclopedia
The Design+Encyclopedia is a crowd-sourced reference of information on design. Unlike other crowd-sourced publications on design, the Design Encyclopedia is edited and actively monitored and publishing is only possible after review of submitted texts. Furthermore, editors of the Design Encyclopedia are mostly consisting of award winning designers who have proven their expertise in their design respective fields. Information posted at design encyclopedia is copyrighted, you are not granted a right to use the text for any commercial reasons, attribution is required. If you wish to contribute to the design encyclopedia, please first register or login to A' Design Award and then start a new design encyclopedia entry.