THE CHALLENGE
AGLC’s Annual Report is a legislatively required document designed to communicate financial results, operational impact, and organizational performance to a wide range of stakeholders.
The challenge was to present complex, data-heavy information in a format that was accurate, accessible, and easy to navigate — while meeting strict compliance, audit, and approval requirements.
The report needed to serve multiple audiences, including the Government of Alberta, industry partners, media, and the public — each with different expectations and levels of familiarity with the content.
At the same time, the design had to align with AGLC’s evolving brand direction, emphasizing clarity, trust, and a more human-centered approach.
THE IDEA
For Albertans
The report was built around the theme “For Albertans” — positioning AGLC’s work as directly connected to the people and communities it serves.
The creative direction focused on making the content feel more human, approachable, and grounded in real impact.
Rather than presenting information as purely institutional, the design emphasized storytelling through imagery, structure, and visual hierarchy — connecting data to real-world outcomes.
THE DESIGN
The design system was built to support clarity, readability, and consistency across an 80-page publication.
A flexible layout framework was developed using structured grids, clear section openers, and consistent hierarchy to guide readers through dense content.
Strong typography, colour blocking, and simplified infographics were used to break down complex information and reduce cognitive load. Supporting elements such as iconography, pull quotes, and refined financial templates helped improve readability and engagement.
Photography played a key role in reinforcing the human-centered theme, bringing warmth and context to the content while maintaining alignment with AGLC’s brand.
THE EXECUTION
The project required close collaboration across multiple departments, including Corporate Services, Strategic Planning, and Marketing, as well as alignment with executive leadership and regulatory bodies.
Given the number of review and approval stages — including executive teams, the Office of the Auditor General, and the Board of Directors — the design needed to remain flexible while maintaining consistency.
To support this, adaptable templates were developed that allowed content to evolve without disrupting the overall visual system.
In addition to the print and PDF versions, a dedicated annual report webpage was created to extend reach and improve accessibility. This provided users with a more navigable, digital-first experience while maintaining alignment with the full report.
THE OUTCOME
The final report successfully delivered a clear, cohesive, and accessible representation of AGLC’s impact across Alberta.
The design improved readability and engagement, making complex financial and operational information easier for diverse audiences to understand.
The supporting digital experience extended the reach of the report, with over 2,200+ interactions and 850+ sessions across the annual report webpages.
Social media performance exceeded benchmarks, with engagement rates reaching 7.15% on LinkedIn and 4.6% on Instagram, demonstrating strong audience interest and interaction.
Overall, the project successfully balanced compliance with creativity, delivering a structured, visually engaging report that reflects AGLC’s commitment to transparency, trust, and impact.
Awards Won
IABC Capital Awards - 2024 AGLC Annual Report - Creative Design
