The metric system was created in the late 1700s to address the need for a universal system of measurement that would help scientists and merchants. John Wilkins proposed a similar system in 1668. In 1790, the French Academy of Sciences developed the metric system based on a single unit of length called the meter. While the US resisted adopting the metric system, organizations like NASA began using it in the 1970s since it is the international standard. Graphic designers also have to use metric measurements when designing for international markets and applications like architecture.

1. The Creation of the Metric System and its
Relation to Graphic Design
by Tracy Masters

2. Long, long, ago…
(1600’s-1700’s)
before the universal system of weights and measures
was developed, it was very difficult for merchants to
do business in expanding market regions. They had no
way of clearly communicating product amounts for
trading and/or selling.

3. Scientists…
…wanted to share theories and experimental data with
colleagues. But without a universal system…..their
measurements didn’t make sense to scientists in other
countries, leading to possible unwanted results for
distant colleagues.

4. In 1668, John Wilkins, an English Bishop, published a
book with a plan for a universal measure which
included almost all elements of today’s International
System of Units (SI).

5. In 1777, the Articles of Confederation gave Congress the
right of “fixing the standards of weights and measures
throughout the U.S. and in 1785, James Madison pushed to
establish a uniform system throughout the U.S. in the hopes
that it might lead to a shared system throughout the world.

6. In 1790, the National Assembly, (parliament
of France) asked the French Academy of
Sciences to work out a system of units. A
year later, Academy proposed a system
based on a single unit of length, based in
nature, one ten-millionth of the distance
from the North Pole to the equator. They
named it the meter.

8. Metric System in Graphic Design
Outside of the U.S., it is not a question of “if” the
metric system will be used in Graphic Design. It is
a question of “when.
As the last major Country to adopt an international
system, we have been resistant.

9. 1970’s-NASA starts using it.
Anything that is created graphically, has to be
relative to the exact measurements to be used.
Designers create everything from rockets,
shuttles, engines and space suits.
!

10. !
In 2007, an article claims NASA finally goes metric,
however, it also states that NASA has been using
metrics since 1991, but now it will begin measuring in
kilometers instead of miles and changing over tool
measurements allowing Russian tools to be used on
U.S. equipment.

11. Graphic Designers have to format their designs to
metric measurements that are used in other countries.

12. These designs include movie and event posters,
billboards, brochures, postcards, floor plans and much
more.

13. Architectural Graphic Design

14. References:
Metric System: History In The World Book Encyclopedia M13 (2013) pg 441 Chicago, Ill World
Book, Inc.
Crease, Robert P. (2011) World in Balance: The Historic Quest for an Absolute System of
Measurement Chp. 5; 99-109. 530.81 Cre
Klein, Laura (2012 September 20). How Metrics Can Make You a Better Designer. Smashing
Magazine, http://uxdesign.smashingmagazine.com/2011/09/20/how-metrics-can-make-you-a-
better-designer/
Vera, H. (2009). Decimal Time: Misadventures of a Revolutionary Idea, 1793-2008. Kronoscope
9(1/2), 29-48. doi:10.1163/156771509X12638154745382
Archer, F. W. (1966). Marketing's Role in the Change to the Metric System. Journal Of
Marketing, 30(4), 10-14. http://web.b.ebscohost.com.oclc.fullsail.edu:81/ehost/pdfviewer/
pdfviewer?sid=76f50be6-de5e-445b-bb24-1cc79464daf4%40sessionmgr115&vid=4&hid=120
space.com Staff NASA Finally Goes Metric, January 08,2007 SPACE.COM http://
www.space.com/3332-nasa-finally-metric.html

15. The End