Victoria State Library: Annual Report Based on the Fragility of Books
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Project Type: Communication Design Project
Timeframe: 6 Weeks (Semester 2, 2023)
Team: Solo Project
Objective: To design a conceptual 24-page annual report for the State Library of Victoria that aligns with its brand while exploring an original visual theme centred around storytelling, landscape, and preservation. -
Print & Editorial Designer: Developed the report’s visual identity and layout design system.
Image Maker: Created original photographic textures and macro-style imagery to build a unique visual language.
Conceptual Researcher: Explored themes of decay, memory, and cultural heritage to drive a compelling narrative. -
Design & Layout: Adobe InDesign, Photoshop
Research & Planning: Miro, Notion
Photography & Editing: Professional Camera with Macro Lense, Lightroom
Challenge: The State Library of Victoria communicates annually to stakeholders through a printed report. While informative, these documents often lack emotional or conceptual depth. The challenge was to design a report that moves beyond data to tell a visual story, while still aligning with the professionalism expected of a major cultural institution.
Opportunity: To push the boundaries of traditional report design by:
Exploring a speculative future where libraries no longer exist.
Visually communicating the importance of preservation and knowledge.
Using self-generated imagery to create an emotionally engaging publication.
Key Audience Needs
A professional yet innovative report aligned with the library’s innovation, excellence, and engagement values.
A visually rich experience that highlights the library’s impact on the community and culture.
A thematic through-line that reflects the tension between preservation and loss.
Research & Discovery
Methods Used:
Visual Inspiration: Looked at macro photography of fungi, mould, and paper decay.
Brand Alignment: Reviewed the State Library’s existing brand guidelines and tone of voice.
Conceptual Exploration: Researched themes of memory, fragility, and cultural erosion.
Key Insights:
Libraries are emotional and intellectual sanctuaries, this should be felt in the report.
Visual storytelling can provoke empathy and awareness about preservation.
Decay, when framed correctly, can be beautiful, evoking a sense of urgency and care.
Ideation & Design Process
Concept Development:
Developed the narrative “Preservation for the Future”, imagining a world where books are left to rot and fade away.
Generated original macro imagery (using textures of fungus, decay, and torn paper) to act as background metaphors.
Created a clean, editorial design system to house both statistical and conceptual content.
Key Design Decisions:
Visual Theme: Organic, decayed imagery contrasted with clean, modern typography.
Grid System: Flexible 12-column layout to support varied content structures.
Typography: Minimal, serif-sans combo from Adobe Fonts to reflect elegance and structure.
Prototyping & Testing
Validation Methods:
Peer Feedback: Shared spreads in studio critiques to ensure clarity and alignment with the theme.
Print Testing: Explored paper stocks and print finishes that support texture-rich visuals.
Design Review: Reviewed for readability, pacing, and balance between data and visuals.
Key Refinements:
Reworked image treatments to avoid overpowering the text.
Adjusted typographic hierarchy for smoother flow and navigation.
Refined colour and contrast to maintain accessibility and professionalism.
Final Design & Outcome
Final Deliverables:
A 24-page conceptual report exploring the decay of forgotten knowledge.
Original photographic assets and visual metaphors are embedded throughout.
A minimalist, professional layout system balancing narrative, statistics, and branding.
A publication that prompts reflection on the cultural role of libraries and their future.
Reflection & Next Steps
Key Takeaways:
Concept-driven design can turn data into a powerful story.
Emotional visual language can elevate standard corporate collateral.
Working with self-generated assets pushes creative boundaries and builds confidence.
Future Opportunities:
Extend the concept into digital: microsites or AR-experiences layered over the printed report.
Collaborate with real institutions to explore more editorial storytelling.
Experiment with physical printing techniques like embossing or transparent overlays to enhance texture.