10 POINTS TO CONSIDER WHILE DESIGNING A BROCHURE

ILLUSTRATED WITH EXAMPLES

(Examples are taken from copyright materials on internet; therefore it may be fine to view these examples but may not be appropriate to copy or to use them. Analysis of these examples are views of the author and may not necessarily be in line with views of the owners of the examples)  

Considerations on Brochure Design are specific to the purpose of the brochure. However, here is an attempt to put up some important points one may in general like to consider while planning to design a brochure.

1.    Clear and unambiguous depiction of the Theme

A good brochure should convey the theme in the clear and unambiguous way. Following examples illustrate the point:-

Examples:-        

 

i. http://www.litmusbranding.com/images/brochures/large/philipstaylor-brochure-design.jpg

 

The above brochure of Phillips Taylor Brown (http://www.ptb.co.uk/) seems to demonstrate the theme of the IT Support Services company as something meaning to be : "Seamless Synchronization with Client (Technologies) to yield Enhanced Performance following the Industry Standard Best Practices"

ii. http://www.poweredtemplates.com/brochure-templates/global/03522/0/index.html

 

       Theme appears to be something like: 'Committed for the sake of Nature'

iii. http://livingwatersmart.ca/brochure.html

 

        Theme appears to be:close to 'Save Precious Water'

2.    Emphasis on Visuals

 

In many good brochures, much of the message is conveyed by visuals, only little written text is used to precisely put the key points and to display critical information needed by target audience.

 

 

Example:-

i.              http://www.exodusdesign.com/brochure_design.htm

 

3.    Catchy Tag Lines

In general brochures contain catchy tag lines to give the message in short and effective way. In the following art related brochure, a few tag lines suggest about - what exactly the art is going to make the target audience feel like?

Example:-

i. http://www.behance.net/gallery/Saint-Louis-Ballet-Company-aABallet-Is-Here/756265

Tag Lines:

Ballet is here, see where we can take you..... 

Ballet is passion.... Summer Season

Ballet is Adventure, Novelty, Prestige, Invention, Passion.....

Above Tag Lines, seems to convey - "Taking Ballet Dance lovers to a different world, where they will explore new horizons in dancing and have a fulfilling experience"

4.    Display of promoters, associated groups, accredited certificates

 

Presence of ‘Logos of Associated Groups’ are prominently displayed in good brochures to highlight the groups supporting the cause . Display of certifications adds to credibility and quality. This can be seen in the following examples....

Examples:

  i. http://cep.lau.edu.lb/programs/certificate-programs/fitness_poster.jpg

ii. http://www.docstoc.com/docs/15413836/Responsible-Business-Summit-2010-Brochure

    (Select 'Full Screen' options)

 

5.    Showcase of Excellence / Show Unique Attributes

 

Generally Brochures Showcase the Excellence through highlighting key points expected to be appreciated by target audience like -> Unique Attributes / Wider Reach / Progressive Excellence / Achievements / Progress / Growth / Evolution / How things got shaped, what lies ahead…..

Examples:

i. http://www.oocities.org/deivika_usha/brochurepage1.htm

ii. http://www.kddia.com/en/sites/default/files/file/KDDIA_map_DC_telehouse_20110118.pdf

iii. http://www.smiletemplates.com/brochure-templates/world-business-graph/01865/

 

 

6.    Professional Photography

Good use of photography can play a critical role in brochure design. At times professionally taken Pictures (and at times Use of Black and White Pictures or a Meaningful Painting) can create a big impact…

Examples:

Good Use of Black and White Photography, Painting and meaningful Picture of ancient devine sculpture in Yoga related Brochure:-

i. http://www.dakinigraphics.com/port_coll_yoga.htmii. 

Good use of photography:

ii. http://queenslandballet.com.au/assets/files/Attend/QB_Season_2012_Brochure.pdf              

7.    Brochure with Pocket

Brochure with Pockets are considered to be much popular with the audience / Pockets also facilitate providing a related CD/DVD / Feedback form…. 

Example:

i. http://www.stevenjoniak.com/hsbc-del-sorbo-group-brochure/hsbc-brochure2/

8.    Brochure Folding Styles

Brochure Folding Styles should also be considered among other attributes of Brochure Design

Example:

i. http://www.essence.co.in/brochure_1.html

9.    Cover Page and Background Images

A self explanatory Cover Page and an attractive Background Images can make a big difference.

Examples:

Background:-

i. http://ringvemedia.com/
ii. http://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/brochure_background.html

Cover Page:-

i. http://bruceblackburn.com/development/epfl_standards/images/brochurecovers.png

10.    Internet Presence in Contact Details

Expectations for internet presence are high from net savvy audience. It may be good to have complete contact details explicitly showing presence on the internet, which may include:-

i)              E-mail

ii)             Web-Site

iii)            Social Networking sites like - Pinterest / Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn

iv)            Blog

(ALL THE WEB-SITES MENTIONED IN THE POSTING WERE LAST ACCESSED ON 26 AUG 2012)

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