Case Study

The Open University – prospectus production across three decades

Outline

Visual Identity (VI), a leading digital design agency in Milton Keynes, has been providing high-quality prospectus production for The Open University for over 30 years. Specialising in both print and digital formats, VI combines creative design and precision production to deliver professional, engaging publications that enhance brand visibility.

Services
    Graphic design, large document and prospectus production, artwork, photo editing, creative design, artwork and print management

The enduring power of prospectus production in a digital age

In an era where digital marketing often dominates the conversation, traditional offline marketing – such as Vi’s large document and prospectus production – remains a vital and powerful component of a comprehensive marketing strategy. In a time when digital marketing dominates the conversation, traditional offline marketing – such as the prospectuses we produce – remains a vital and powerful component of a comprehensive strategy.

Research shows that 70% of people find print materials to be more personal and trustworthy than digital content, and 82% of students report using printed prospectuses to help them make informed decisions about their education.

As John Naisbitt wisely said…

 “We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge.” John Naisbitt

…this quote perfectly captures the value of thoughtfully curated print materials, which distil essential information into accessible, engaging formats.

In the educational sector, where credibility and professionalism are paramount, the tangible quality of print continues to have a significant impact. At VI, our deep-rooted expertise in traditional design, combined with our innovative approach to modern challenges, ensures that each project not only meets but exceeds expectations.

While we’ve had the privilege of working with The Open University for over 30 years, they are far from our only client for large document and prospectus production. Our portfolio includes notable collaborations with esteemed organisations such as the African Development Bank, Barker Shoes, and Cranfield University and School of Management, and many more. These partnerships reflect our ability to deliver high-quality, tailored print solutions across various industries.

Our meticulous attention to detail, particularly in our pre-print processes, guarantees that every document we produce aligns with the highest industry standards. This blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation ensures that our clients, including The OU, can trust us to elevate their brand through print.

Blending traditional prospectus production with modern innovation

In a rapidly evolving industry, where technology often takes centre stage, VI’s commitment to traditional design skills offers a depth of understanding and a level of detail that technology alone cannot replicate.

Our ability to blend the best of both worlds – traditional print and digital innovation – ensures that we deliver work that is both timeless and contemporary. This approach is particularly crucial in projects where accuracy, consistency, and brand integrity are non-negotiable.

At VI, we believe that while digital tools continue to transform the landscape, the enduring value of print should not be overlooked. Print marketing materials, especially prospectuses, continue to play a crucial role in the decision-making process for prospective students. With studies indicating that 60% of students retain printed materials for longer periods than digital content, the value of a well-crafted prospectus is undeniable. This is why, for over 30 years, we have been dedicated to producing prospectuses for The Open University that not only serve as a key marketing tool but also as a lasting testament to the power of traditional design in a digital world.

For over 30 years, we've partnered with The Open University Business School to design and produce marketing materials for their globally recognised, triple-accredited MBA program. Our expertise in the business education sector helps us deliver creative solutions that showcase the School’s excellence.
A suite of prospectuses tailored for the business education market. Striking the balance between distinctive brand consistency and respecting guidelines, the creative solutions offer gravitas to capture the attention of this discerning audience. The result resonates with professionalism and impact
VI developed the prospectuses for the core public audience, working alongside the lead agency as part of the supplier framework. These creatively-driven designs align with the annual theme and were essential to the OU’s marketing efforts, forming the cornerstone of their main promotional campaigns.
The report for The Open University was designed to showcase the impact of over 50 years of pioneering distance learning. Through creative design, it highlights the outcomes of their mission to make education accessible, celebrating the success of helping over 2 million students worldwide achieve their goals.

prospectus production

Why The Open University trust VI for prospectus production

The Open University has trusted Visual Identity (VI) to produce its prospectuses for over 30 years. This is because we offer a unique blend of traditional design skills, now rare in the industry, with cutting-edge digital expertise.

Our ability to maintain brand consistency, attention to detail, and craftsmanship in print while seamlessly integrating modern digital techniques ensures that each project is both visually compelling and functionally effective. This combination of timeless design and innovation makes VI a highly valued resource for producing large documents and prospectus production that is impactful and stand out in today’s digital age.

Enhance your project with our extension services

To enhance our large document and prospectus production, we offer a range of extension services to enhance your project’s impact. Our full-service photography solutions, supported by real-world examples, include everything from art direction and model casting to location scouting and expert photo editing, ensuring a compelling visual narrative. We also provide copywriting and editing, infographic and iconography design, and print management to deliver a full and comprehensive solution. These services ensure your document is not only meticulously produced but also creatively driven and expertly executed, from concept to completion.

See below for examples of our photographic services.

Ready to elevate your brand with a seamless blend of traditional and digital expertise?

Curious about the work we’ve done for The OU? [Read more here].
Contact VI today to explore how we can bring your next project to life.