Print isn’t dead. Why Physical 
Design Still Matters in a Digital World.

For a number of years, designers have heard the same prediction. Print is dying. In a constantly evolving digital world, it’s easy to assume that printed materials aren’t valued. Yet in our first year of business at our design studio, we’ve experienced the opposite.

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Companies continue to invest in beautifully designed annual reports, one pagers and event collateral, not out of nostalgia but because print delivers something digital cannot: presence.

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A printed piece catches attention. The physical presence makes a tangible experience that encourages people to slow down and take in the work in front of them.

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In this article, we explore why print continues to play a vital role in branding, marketing and communication, and why thoughtful publication design is still one of the most valuable investments an organisation can make.

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‍Print Creates a Different Kind of Attention
‍Digital content competes for attention in an environment filled with notifications, ads and endless scrolling. Most brands have less than a second to capture the viewers attention. Print however, removes many of these distractions.

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In an environment where someone is handed a printed publication only one thing competes for their attention, the content in front of them. Readers are more likely to interact and absorb the information in their hands as there is no way to scroll past this.

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‍Physical Object Build Stronger Connections
‍A screen displays information, a printed publication creates an experience.

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The options are almost endless when it comes to print, as a designer you can choose the weight of the paper, the finish and how the project is bound together. It’s these details that help communicate professionalism and gets people talking.

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When a company presents a well crafted annual report or sends a well designed publication to stakeholders it signals credibility, care for their brand and partners and attention to details.

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The medium becomes a part of the brands message.

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‍Annual Reports Deserve Better Than a PDF
At Komo we design a number of reports throughout the year. We work closely with the brand to design a publication that is exactly what they want, and more. Many organisations publish annual reports on their website solely as downloadable PDF’s. Whilst these play a key part in accessibility and distribution, a printed report gives investors, board members, and prospective clients time with a physical copy. This can become a reference document for all to use throughout the day.

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A printed report is a strong opportunity for organisation to communicate its success stories, values and ambitions. It creates conversations.

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‍Print Plays a Critical Role at Events
‍When brands host an event, there is still a large demand for printed materials. Whether its conference guides, signage, name tags, or printed agendas, these assets help people navigate the unfamiliar space quickly and confidently.

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Unlike a digital asset, printed materials don’t require battery life, internet access or downloading an app. It makes the event space approachable. The printed assets remain visible, catching attention throughout the whole day.

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Well rounded printed event collateral creates a cohesive brand experience across all touch points.

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‍Print Creates Better Brand Recall
‍Think about the marketing material you remember most. Chances are, many weren’t a 10 second ad on social media. They were a piece of packaging, a magazine, or a poster.

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Print tends to stay in peoples environments longer than a single view before scrolling. A publication might land on someone's desk for weeks or shared across departments.

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This extended life span compared to digital helps increase brand recognition and engagement.

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‍Print and Digital Work Best Together
‍As much as we believe print is an excellent addition to all brands. The conversation shouldn’t turn to print versus digital. The most effect way a brand can communicate their strategy is using both. A printed report can include QR codes to further articles or websites. A brochure can drive traffic to websites. Digital extends the reach of print and can spread to a larger audience fast. Print deepens the impact of digital and used together they can really strengthen a brand.

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‍Looking to Create Something People Want to Keep?
‍Whether you’re producing an annual report, designing publications or need help developing printed assets for an event, we can help create thoughtful design that transforms into an experience.

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The goal isn’t to simply make something look good, it’s to create something people read and remember.