Annual Reports
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Annual Report Design
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Data Visualization
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Print & Digital Design
This series showcases the strategic evolution of the Academic Innovation Department’s brand voice over two consecutive years. Tasked with managing the full design lifecycle from design ideation to production, I collaborated with seven internal offices to translate their achievements into a high-impact narrative. While strictly adhering to the Cal Poly Pomona master brand by leveraging its signature typography and color palette, I introduced custom geometric elements and a vibrant aesthetic to carve out a distinct visual niche that feels inviting, energetic, and innovative.
The Challenges and Strategic Solutions
Balancing the Institutional Brand with Departmental Identity
I anchored the design in the Cal Poly Pomona brand system by utilizing the official typography and blue, green, and gold palette while introducing a bespoke layer of geometric decorative elements. This allowed the report to feel “at home” within the university while projecting the department’s specific vibe: inviting, energetic, and innovative.
Unifying Seven Diverse Internal Offices
To respect the unique character of the seven offices under the department’s umbrella, I developed a flexible design system. In the 2018–2020 edition, I used varied geometric shapes and complementary colors to distinguish each office’s mission while maintaining a cohesive, playful visual thread throughout the book.
Converting Dense Academic Data into Stakeholder Engagement
For the 2020–2021 edition, I pivoted to a “content-first” editorial approach. I simplified complex data sets into intuitive and easy-to-digest infographics and icons, and integrated energetic photography to transform technical achievements into a visually compelling and easy-to-digest narrative.
For the second iteration, I shifted toward a more refined and editorial aesthetic. To improve stakeholder engagement, I prioritized information architecture, transforming complex data into intuitive charts and icons. By balancing sophisticated layouts with high-energy imagery, I created professional layouts that made dense content easy to digest and visually compelling.
Annual Report 2020-2021
Annual Report 2018-2020
As the department’s first annual report, the goal was to establish a recognizable presence within the university system. I used a clean, minimalist, shape-driven design to mirror the department’s playful and inviting energy, ensuring each of the seven offices had a unique visual flair while remaining anchored to the core university identity.
