Last post, we looked at Facebook’s investment in culturally-geared visual communication: a “secret” internal department charged with creating visually powerful cultural propaganda pieces. But will we see visual communication reach beyond internal messaging into the dry and conservative world of public-facing corporate communication?

Via a good friend of mine in the advertising industry, I came across this shining example of where we can only hope that we are headed:

Visually Stimulating Annual Report

Warby Parker 2013 Annual Report

This is Warby Parker’s 2013 Annual Report which takes corporate storytelling to new heights. Instead of the usual packet of mind-numbingly dense pages of text and numbers, Warby Parker chose to release a more human and relatable look back at 2013. The interactive calendar format contains anecdotal stories of corporate events, company milestones, fun cultural facts illustrated with informational design and, most importantly, lots and lots of  imagery.

This unique piece invites the public inside, giving us an intimate view of Warby Parker and its doings uncommon in the corporate world. Perhaps it’s an extension of the trend towards open and interactive communication that social media has fostered. Or perhaps it’s the continuation of the infographic trend: incorporating informational design into interest-peaking marketing pieces. Perhaps a little of both. Either way, we can hope to see more of these visually interesting and intimate pieces from the traditionally closed ranks of large companies. We’re all for it!

Head over to SlideRabbit.com to learn more about our informational design services.