The last decade has been characterised by the rise of digital communications: But stakeholder engagement has seen outstanding examples of printed material too. Communicate asked the experts to nominate their favourites.

Richard Carpenter, Merchant
“With bold colours coupled with a dynamic brand expression, Geest’s 2003 annual report is a report that begs to
be read."  

Bob Wheller, The Team
“I’d have to choose the 2001 Harley-Davidson Annual Report. The design by VSA Partners in Chicago, used beautiful typography, lovely photography and excellent printing.”

Victoria Wheelwright, SAS
“The general consensus at SAS is that Ericsson’s 2002 Annual Report stands out as pivotal. The report was open and engaging, reducing complexity, adding context and genuinely informing.”

Simon Byers, Redhouse Lane Communications
“One of the most ambitious and successful design projects must be The Guardian’s redesign. The overhaul, starting with its format right down to the type face, has been a triumph.”

Thecla Schreuders, Redhouse Lane Communications
“Last year Selfridges celebrated its 100th anniversary and produced a commemorative magazine which was an exceptional piece of design. There was something appropriately retro about it being in print.”

Penny Baxter, Salterbaxter
“IBM 2001 stands out for its straight talking, transparent messaging. It was a groundbreaking, classic report that is still referred to now. BP’s 2003 report had seven messages relevant to their business combined with great pace of graphics. And, just for fun, the Feltron annual report. Amazing information graphics, in which Nicholas Feltron (a designer) charts aspects of his life, such as visited places, read books and types of beers drank.”

Richard Carpenter, Merchant
“ABP’s 2005 annual report is perfect example of how paper, tabbed navigation, colour coding and gritty illustration can create a truly unique reporting experience."

Abigail Harrison, Thebluedoor
“The Times redesign in 2004 into ‘tabloid’ format from broadsheet was a defining moment for the paper. I found it immediately more practical and the change didn’t compromised the quality in anyway.”

Richard Davies, RD:IR
“SABMiller’s CSR reporting is a beacon of best practice in that it links concepts and people to produce a very human understanding of their business."