Goal: Reinforce our leadership role as a leading public research university to solve the world’s most critical problems and make positive contributions to society
 

About the project

The UC Davis 2016 Annual Report was developed around our university’s core message: we transform your world to make it better. With that in mind, we developed an innovation spread that serves as a sort of “highlight reel” for the year’s innovations and our unique strengths across food and agriculture, the environment, veterinary medicine, health, the arts, social sciences and education. The following sections drill down deeper into our impact and reach in each of these fields. The writing tone is personal and emotive.

From a design perspective, we took inspiration from UC Davis’ designation as a research I university. We played with the concept of research moving along the path from hypothesis to innovative solution, ultimately bringing the abstract into focus. Our blurred, color-treated overlay allowed flexibility in image choice and provided a contrasting texture over which text could be read, echoing the progression from theory to understanding.

The report was used as a point of pride to reach and inspire our key audiences. It quickly and dramatically demonstrated how their respective investments are helping advance positive change in their community and on a larger scale. Our development officers, administrators and government and community relations team used the report as a powerful starting point for a conversation about UC Davis’ unique strengths, impact and need for continued support.