Creative ways to engage, communicate and yet tread lightly

Posted by Karen Podsiadly on 29 April 2011 | 0 Comments

Tags: online documents, reduce footprint

Part of our role as designers is to help our clients reduce their environmental footprint by making them aware of their production options. The selection of paper stock is a key element of the design process and using recycled paper doesn’t mean it needs to look reused. There are many stocks that are made from 100% recyclable material but have a bright white smooth feel. Some clients do choose to use a paper with a recycled look as it may complement and support their brand.

Printing a document is also no longer the only option. Many clients are choosing to publish their documents such as annual reports and corporate profiles online and dramatically reduce their print run requirements.

In an electronic format clients are able to incorporate interactive elements, feedback mechanisms, search functions and page organisation, to both simplify and enhance the viewing experience and engage the reader more fully. Readers choose the way they want to interact with the document and access it through their chosen media platform. Documents can be created as interactive PDFs, flip books or mini sites and link directly to your website, facebook page, blog and twitter site.

So whether you choose to print, go online or use a combination of both mediums, there are ways in which you can reduce your environmental footprint and engage the reader more fully in the process.