Design Challenge and Design Ideas

We have developed a great working relationship with Concern Worldwide over the past two decades: a relationship based on collaboration, open-mindedness and trust. For twenty consecutive years, we have been privileged to design Concern’s Annual Report – and every year we strive to exceed their expectations by designing a Report that is powerful, beautiful and relevant – without being ostentatious. This year’s focus was very much on a year of emergencies and Concern were very clear that although COVID-19 was a big part of their work programme, their other work programmes continued despite the Coronavirus pandemic, so this balance had to be reflected.

How the brief was fulfilled

“Our aim every time we design an Annual Report for Concern is to ensure that it delivers more than a simple outline of the organisation’s activities during the previous 12 months. It must reflect the ethos of the organisation and show the range of lifesaving and transformative work that Concern does and the difference they can make.

From a design perspective, we strived to reflect Concern Worldwide’s programme with an editorial approach to the design to allow Concern’s beautiful photography to lead the story-telling, with detailed captions revealing people’s background stories while respecting their dignity and authentic voice.

The balance of the report had to reflect that Concern didn’t just focus on Covid-19, that they continued work on their overseas programmes, other emergencies, education work within Ireland on the SDG goals, the GHI 2020 report and their ongoing campaigns – so the design had to get this balance right. This was achieved with a condensed colour palette so that each work programme feels like it had the same level of focus and importance.

The condensed colour palette also helped create a sense of positivity around Concern’s work – a testament to this organisation that in a year like no other – their work continued to have a profoundly positive impact.

Data is presented in bite-size chunks, making it easy to consider and understand their work and the difference they can and do make.

Big and bold headings punctuate the document’s indicating the organisation’s determined and direct approach – creating a snapshot of their strategy, solutions and outcomes.”