Annual reports used to be straightforward documents focusing on financial figures and statutory disclosures.
They were text-heavy, visually uninspiring, and targeted a narrow audience – shareholders.
You might still find some annual reports fitting this description. Thankfully, though, the dry collection of financial figures is a dying art.
Today’s annual reports are strategic, multifaceted, brand-building tools.
As the largest and most experienced annual report printer in Darwin, we’ve been following this transformation closely.
In this guide to great annual report design, we’re tracing the evolution and sharing practical tips for producing a document that embodies your company’s values, performance and future outlook.
Milestones in the evolution of annual report design
The annual report design evolution design didn’t happen overnight. When you look at broader design trends and printing technology through the years, you also see that it didn’t happen in isolation.
Like many mission-critical business assets, annual reports simply moved with the times.
Colour printing technology
The explosion of commercial colour printing in the late 20th century was a game-changer for annual report printing. Charts and graphs became more visually appealing, and companies could use colour strategically to reflect their brand identity.
Technology has progressed further – and faster – since then.
Today, we’re able to:
- Print detailed designs and images in vivid colour
- Apply spot treatments to add texture
- Personalise printed documents with variable data
- Produce large colour print volumes in a short time
Use of imagery
Photographs and illustrations took the potential of colour printing into a whole new dimension.
High-quality images are now used to illustrate key achievements, events and important figures.
Companies can showcase their products, services and people with crisp colour photography that tells the company story and connects with readers on an emotional level.
Graphic design
Today’s corporate stakeholders have professional graphic designers to thank for transforming annual reports into visually captivating documents.
Infographics, readability, data storytelling and consistent branding are key elements of annual report design. These make complex information digestible and engaging.
The overall impact
Colour printing, print technology, imagery and professional graphic design did more than transform the look of annual reports.
They also enabled the function to evolve.
The best annual report designs in Darwin capture attention, tell a compelling story and leave a positive impression.
Beyond the numbers: Strategic communication and branding in annual report design
One of the biggest shifts we have seen as Darwin’s annual report printing partner is companies using financial reporting as a strategic communication tool.
But here’s the thing: annual reports didn’t have to change.
Australian law only requires that companies (most, not all) prepare and lodge audited financial reports with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) or their relevant stock exchange. This disclosure usually happens at tax time or twice a year.
Beyond these legal requirements, there are few mandatory reasons to prepare or publish an annual report.
So, why do companies do it?
According to the researchers who studied the evolution of annual reporting over 40 years (yes, really), it comes down to three key factors:
- Stakeholders, not stockholders, are the primary audience for modern annual reports
- External events such as financial crises encourage companies to demonstrate trustworthiness
- Company image, conveyed through professional annual report design and relevant content, is an increasingly valuable asset
These are important lessons for Darwin companies printing annual reports.
Presenting financial data in a digestible way is no longer enough. Imagery helps, but stakeholders want a bigger picture.
Meeting those expectations requires a strategic approach, exceptional design and carefully considered execution.
15 things your annual report might include
The potential of annual reports to influence stakeholder perceptions means the content in these documents has evolved.
We’ve seen everything from CEO letters to customer stories to QR codes incorporated into recent Darwin annual report printing projects.
Here are a few ideas for your next annual report:
- Customer case studies
- Social impact figures
- Community engagement initiatives
- Sustainability initiatives
- Employee stories
- Diversity statistics and culture insights
- Safety performance
- CEO or executive letter
- Mission, vision and values
- Recent innovations
- Industry awards or recognition
- Data visualisations
- Market research updates
- Strategic outlooks
- Company history and milestones
In our experience, relevance is the most important test when compiling information for annual reports. Pick from this list (and other ideas you have), but make sure the content adds to the document’s value, not its page count.
It’s also important to remember that financial information must still be transparent and easy to understand. Covering gloomy financial results with cheery images won’t fool today’s savvy stakeholders.
The importance of good design
Effective design is about more than aesthetics. Our Darwin annual report designers understand the multifaceted role that design plays in how information is perceived and understood.
- Clarity: Compelling design translates complex information into an easily understandable and engaging experience for the reader
- Thematic branding: Visual elements like colour palettes, fonts, imagery, illustration and layout reinforce your brand identity and tell a consistent story
- Credibility and trust: A professional and polished design conveys that the company is reliable, stable and trustworthy – essential values nowadays
- Wayfinding: Annual report designs should be structured with sections and sub-sections to make navigation easier
Alongside polished content, investing in professional design services is the most important thing you can do to produce an exceptional annual report.
Sustainability and social responsibility
Today, more than ever, stakeholders are interested in a company’s impact as much as its performance. Modern annual reports increasingly reflect a company’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility (CSR).
That goes beyond highlighting feel-good stories. CSR impacts the content and structure, imagery, and even the materials you use or the company you choose to print your annual reports.
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- Get specific: Demonstrate sustainability and CSR initiatives that support your company’s mission and values.
- Use data: Incorporate clear metrics and data visualisations to quantify your social and environmental impact.
- Print responsibly: We offer sustainable solutions like recycled paper and biodegradable inks to reduce the environmental impact of annual report printing.
- Dig deeper: Beyond sustainable materials, we have implemented energy-saving initiatives in our printing business (and across our entire operation) to make Colemans the responsible choice
The future of annual report design and printing in Darwin
Printing solutions keep getting better, more sustainable and more affordable. At the same time, stakeholder needs are evolving.
Where does this all lead? To a future where annual reports are engaging, sustainable, transparent and valuable.
Whether it’s augmented reality features that bring printed pages to life, personalised content to reward loyal stakeholders, or eco-friendly printing solutions that minimise the impact of annual report printing – or all the above – you can bet that Colemans Printing will be there.
Our team works hard to ensure we offer innovations that elevate your annual report project. With creative and experienced annual report designers in-house, and the latest printing technology in our Darwin and Alice Springs facilities, we help businesses to create better annual reports.
Request a quote online or contact our team to discuss your requirements.
