Discovery at the Cosmic Frontier—Canadian Astronomy Plan 2020–2030
Report Design & Layout for Canada’s national forum for planning and realization of space-related projects
Challenges
Every 10 years, the Canadian Astronomical Society (CASCA) lays out its vision for the ways in which Canada should invest in the future of astronomy—from small-scale ground-based facilities to large-scale investments in space astronomy. We were charged with making a document that spoke clearly and confidently to scientists and astronomers, but that could also capture the attention of those not directly involved in the field. We were asked to make a document that was enticing to the viewer no matter where they opened it—a document that was composed of technical information that could still be visually pleasing.
Insights
Our main takeaway from this project was just how important Canada’s role is in researching, investigating, and uncovering the world beyond the stars. The recommendations put forth in this report all aim to answer fundamental questions about the origins of life on earth and throughout the cosmos, whether or not we’re alone in the universe, and how we can keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the field of space exploration.
Solutions
We worked extensively with the CASCA project team to develop a report that not only fulfilled the need to layout a great deal of information, but that is visually appealing, tidy, and easy to follow. While there certainly were challenges in finding the right balance between pure information and appealing visuals, we were able to develop a design language that made the sometimes dense material seem light and digestible. The result is a beautiful and informative roadmap for the next 10 years of space exploration in Canada.
