It would be nice to find some glib, uniform field theory regarding annual report design. You know: everyone is using people this year to humanize their reports . . . or everyone is using nature imagery to emphasize their commitment to the environment . . . or everyone is using their employees to emphasize customer service, and the like. While in some years we can tease out such a trend or theme, it just isn't so this time around. Instead, what struck me as most interesting is the question of why annual reports are starting to recover their health and looks, and why there seem to be so many companies that are bucking the minimalist trend and once again using the report as a grand opportunity to express a strategic vision.
 
With that in mind, we asked DAVID SCHIMMEL, one of the most accomplished young designers today, why his firm, And Partners, proselytizes for, in his words, the "added value of context, mission and vision that annual reports can convey." His response helps provide a context for this month's roundup of some 2005 annual report favorites.