The French Médiateur national de l’énergie (National Energy Ombudsman) 2018 activity report piques the reader’s curiosity at first glance with luminous green highlights on its cover which are also scattered periodically throughout its pages. This colour is pleasantly harmonious against both light and dark backgrounds, suggesting energy flow, and recurs throughout the report, knitting together the content from start to end.
Large, bold sans serif text marks the start of each chapter; each title is short and sweet while paragraphs are meaty, justified columns. A special feature of the report is the provision of links for further reading, which take the reader directly to the website in the PDF at the click of a mouse.
The report adopts an unusual illustration style – cartoon human figures whose satisfaction as well as frustration are evident, are seen throughout the report, emphasizing the organisation’s focus on its consumers.
Much focus is placed on shareholders and those who depend on the organization for services, with quotes from consumers presented in the form of speech bubbles from the illustrated people in the report. Easy-to-read interviews and case studies are also provided, giving the reader a comprehensive overview of the energy mediation process as well as the people involved and areas of focus.
Overall, photography is relevant and pleasant, blending into the design nicely. Images range from aerial to architectural as well as artistic blurred ones. In addition to the luminous green, bright but soothing colours chosen to highlight different sections of the report complement the photography.
Although the report seems to be quite text heavy – too weighty for a report of this size – the combination of iconography, infographics and colour create a good balance and sense of harmony between all elements.
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