Project details
The goal of this project was to design a flexible image-bleed component that allows visuals to extend beyond the standard page container while maintaining layout integrity.
The Problem
The existing component library did not support images bleeding off the edge of the page. Authors were forced into rigid layouts that limited visual impact and reduced creative flexibility.
Goal
Create a reusable component that enables edge-bleed imagery while ensuring critical image content remains visible across breakpoints.
My Role
Senior Product Designer. I defined the interaction model and responsive behavior in close collaboration with engineering and the Canvas design system team.
Approach
I evaluated layout patterns across modern marketing and enterprise sites to understand how leading teams handle edge-bleed imagery.
• Audited gaps in the current component library
• Reviewed modern web and design trend patterns
• Explored multiple responsive layout approaches
• Partnered with engineering to validate feasibility
The focus was to balance creative flexibility with predictable authoring behavior.
Key Constraints
Several technical and authoring considerations shaped the solution:
• Images needed to remain responsive across breakpoints
• Critical visual content had to stay visible
• The component had to be easy for non-technical authors
• The solution needed to scale within the Canvas system
These constraints required careful handling of image scaling and safe zones.
Initial Research
I conducted competitor and design trend analysis to evaluate common bleed treatments and responsive behaviors.
• Reviewed edge-bleed patterns across modern sites
• Studied responsive image handling approaches
• Explored safe-zone methodologies
• Generated multiple early layout concepts
The Solution
I designed a flexible image-bleed component with two distinct behavior modes to support different content needs.
• Built a Fixed Height mode with protected safe zones
• Created a Full Height fill mode for maximum visual impact
• Ensured responsive behavior across breakpoints
• Added author controls for layout flexibility
This gave teams creative freedom without sacrificing layout safety.
What We Achieved
The component introduced significantly more flexibility into the Canvas library.
• Fixed Image Height maintains a 66% safe zone for key imagery
• Supports both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios
• Full Image Height mode enables true edge-to-edge visuals
• Optional overlay graphic positioning added
• Authors can now create more dynamic page layouts
Conclusion
The new component closed a major creative gap in the design system while remaining safe and predictable for authors. Stakeholders quickly adopted the pattern and began using it to elevate the visual quality of Workday marketing pages.