From the Nominator

UCSF Magazine’s summer and winter 2024 issues were designed to engage and inform the University of California, San Francisco's core audience—alumni, donors, and staff—by showcasing the institution’s groundbreaking research, medical innovations, and social impact. The goal was to create a visually compelling publication that aligns with UCSF’s brand, enhances storytelling, and fosters deeper engagement with its community. The design used modern typography, dynamic photography, and thoughtful illustrations to elevate the editorial content. We employed clean, branded fonts to maintain a professional yet approachable look, capture audience attention, and ensure clarity and readability across complex medical topics. Each story, such as “Road to Rejuvenation” and “Weight Loss Drugs: Too Good to Be True?”, was complemented by vibrant images and bold typography that brought the science to life and made it accessible. The story about “deep rest” simplified complex cellular concepts through a scientific illustration, while compelling photos in “Prescription for Loneliness” highlighted the human side of healthcare in a visit to San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. The creative use of visuals—whether showcasing 3D technology in medicine with technicolor photos or highlighting actual documents from the opioid industry—helped communicate UCSF’s leadership in innovation and research. The result is an immersive experience that reinforces UCSF’s mission and sparks continued interest and support from readers.

From the Judges

The compositions (including the covers) were imaginative and creative, without being so far afield that it distracts the reader from the content. Bright colors and striking use of typography were attention-grabbing throughout. Concise design and inspirational vision set this magazine apart from others.