CorpComms Awards

Best annual report, public sector 2015

The challenge was to create an annual report that inspired and engaged audiences beyond the tech-hub by showcasing the Open Data Institute’s creative power and impact. The solution was to create an A6-sized report, inspired by the classic hardback Ladybird books, that forms a collectible box set for the ODI’s annual achievements.

Developed by the ODI Labs team, a computer code interchanges three design elements with a swatch database, generating more than 3,000 colour combinations, and means that each of the 1,500 annual reports has a bespoke cover that demonstrates open data as a creative force for innovation and knowledge.

The report adopts two contrasting illustrative styles, modern branded vectors and handpainted watercolour illustrations, reflecting how open data is about changing culture as well as transforming technology. Central to the ODI’s vision, Knowledge for everyone, the report is designed to inform, engage and inspire readers of all data literacies.

The first report in the series was reprinted four times, and the 2014 report was viewed online more than 2,500 times in six months while its print run was completely depleted. The report is widely shared by ODI colleagues with their communities, has generated new business for ODI Dubai and sits on the bookshelves of leading politicians and government officials.

The judges loved the longevity and collectability of the reports, adding: ‘This has been used to good effect across the organisation and has created a strong range of metrics for future comparisons.’

This article first appeared in issue 101