Design Principle
Images are information objects, not texture; bad cropping harms trust and understanding.
Principle
Images are information objects, not texture; bad cropping harms trust and understanding.
Design action
Set explicit aspect-ratio and object-position; preserve the subject in product, people, and screenshot media, changing layout rather than forcing a bad crop.
Examples
Positive example: Product photos, people images, scene photos, case screenshots, and portfolio media need subject inspection. Counterexample: Faces or product subjects are cropped out.
Apply when
Product photos, people images, scene photos, case screenshots, and portfolio media need subject inspection. Users need to judge state, scope, risk, or next action quickly.
Source notes
Source note: Synthesized from Apple HIG, Material Design, NN/g usability principles, and layout/hierarchy practices in mature design systems. Apple HIG Layout: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/layout Material Design Layout: https://m3.material.io/foundations/layout/applying-layout NN/g Visual Design Principles: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/principles-visual-design/
Agent Directive
Set explicit aspect-ratio and object-position; preserve the subject in product, people, and screenshot media, changing layout rather than forcing a bad crop.