Wits Review magazine, April 2023, Vol 49
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 Print & Digital / Book and Magazine
Company Name:University of The Witwatersrand - Alumni Relations
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Jignasa Diar
Other Contributor(s):Jacqueline Steeneveldt, Peter Maher, Heather Dugmore, Prof Chris Thurman, Ufrieda Ho
Client Name:University of the Witwatersrand
Photo Credit:Vivid Images, Brett Eloff, Chanté Scatz, Anthea Pokroy, Pippa Hetherington, Keiskamma Trust, Wits
Project Location:Johannesburg
Design Status:Concept
Website: View
Project Description:
This bi-annual alumni magazine connects a leading South African university with its global community through thoughtful journalism and contemporary design. It celebrates alumni achievements, academic excellence, and the institution’s lasting impact on society. The publication reflects a century-long tradition of scholarship while presenting a modern, accessible visual identity. Designed in a custom 180 × 240 mm format, it combines elegance and practicality, using a serif typeface for warmth and readability and a bold sans serif for clarity and contrast. A clean, minimalist colour palette employs brand hues sparingly, supported by black typography for sophistication. Produced by a small in-house team, each issue features striking imagery, illustration, and multimedia storytelling. Available in print and digital formats, the magazine strengthens connection, pride, and philanthropic engagement among more than 200 000 alumni worldwide, reinforcing a lifelong relationship with their alma mater.
This bi-annual alumni magazine connects a leading South African university with its global community through thoughtful journalism and contemporary design. It celebrates alumni achievements, academic excellence, and the institution’s lasting impact on society. The publication reflects a century-long tradition of scholarship while presenting a modern, accessible visual identity. Designed in a custom 180 × 240 mm format, it combines elegance and practicality, using a serif typeface for warmth and readability and a bold sans serif for clarity and contrast. A clean, minimalist colour palette employs brand hues sparingly, supported by black typography for sophistication. Produced by a small in-house team, each issue features striking imagery, illustration, and multimedia storytelling. Available in print and digital formats, the magazine strengthens connection, pride, and philanthropic engagement among more than 200 000 alumni worldwide, reinforcing a lifelong relationship with their alma mater.
Project Innovation / Specification:
This publication reimagines a traditional alumni magazine through a refined balance of editorial design, craft, and digital innovation. The compact 180 × 240 mm format enhances comfort and reduces material waste while distinguishing the magazine from standard A4 publications. Printed on uncoated stock, it offers a tactile experience that invites engagement and feels both premium and personal. Design innovation lies in the thoughtful interplay of heritage and modernity—achieved through a disciplined typographic system and restrained use of colour. Large-scale imagery, illustration, archival elements, and asymmetrical layouts bring rhythm and texture without compromising readability. Digitally, the publication extends to an interactive platform featuring embedded video and multimedia content, deepening engagement. The seamless integration of print and digital formats exemplifies a cohesive and adaptive approach to contemporary communication design.
This publication reimagines a traditional alumni magazine through a refined balance of editorial design, craft, and digital innovation. The compact 180 × 240 mm format enhances comfort and reduces material waste while distinguishing the magazine from standard A4 publications. Printed on uncoated stock, it offers a tactile experience that invites engagement and feels both premium and personal. Design innovation lies in the thoughtful interplay of heritage and modernity—achieved through a disciplined typographic system and restrained use of colour. Large-scale imagery, illustration, archival elements, and asymmetrical layouts bring rhythm and texture without compromising readability. Digitally, the publication extends to an interactive platform featuring embedded video and multimedia content, deepening engagement. The seamless integration of print and digital formats exemplifies a cohesive and adaptive approach to contemporary communication design.
Project Sustainability Approach:
Sustainability guided decisions throughout the project’s design and production. The custom 180 × 240 mm format minimises paper use and trim waste while maintaining a refined aesthetic. The magazine is printed on uncoated, FSC-certified paper, combining tactile appeal with environmental responsibility. Timeless design principles—clean layouts, minimal colour use, and enduring typography—promote longevity and encourage readers to keep each issue as a collectible, extending its life beyond a single read. The restrained colour palette also reduces ink consumption while maintaining visual richness. An interactive digital edition offers global access without additional printing or transport costs, furthering sustainability goals. This hybrid model demonstrates an environmentally conscious publishing approach that values material efficiency, design integrity, and long-term reader engagement.
Sustainability guided decisions throughout the project’s design and production. The custom 180 × 240 mm format minimises paper use and trim waste while maintaining a refined aesthetic. The magazine is printed on uncoated, FSC-certified paper, combining tactile appeal with environmental responsibility. Timeless design principles—clean layouts, minimal colour use, and enduring typography—promote longevity and encourage readers to keep each issue as a collectible, extending its life beyond a single read. The restrained colour palette also reduces ink consumption while maintaining visual richness. An interactive digital edition offers global access without additional printing or transport costs, furthering sustainability goals. This hybrid model demonstrates an environmentally conscious publishing approach that values material efficiency, design integrity, and long-term reader engagement.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
The magazine deepens the lifelong relationship between the university and its alumni by fostering pride, belonging, and engagement. With over 100 000 digital readers and 14 000 print copies distributed globally, it connects a vast community through shared stories of achievement and purpose. Reader surveys show 66% engage with most or all of each issue, reflecting strong loyalty and trust. By highlighting alumni success, university research, and social contribution, the publication enhances institutional reputation, inspires philanthropy, and strengthens the collective identity of its audience worldwide.
The magazine deepens the lifelong relationship between the university and its alumni by fostering pride, belonging, and engagement. With over 100 000 digital readers and 14 000 print copies distributed globally, it connects a vast community through shared stories of achievement and purpose. Reader surveys show 66% engage with most or all of each issue, reflecting strong loyalty and trust. By highlighting alumni success, university research, and social contribution, the publication enhances institutional reputation, inspires philanthropy, and strengthens the collective identity of its audience worldwide.
Profile Description:
I’m a senior graphic designer who believes design should inform, inspire, and connect. With over two decades in editorial and institutional design, I craft visual stories that build connection and meaning. I’m passionate about turning complex ideas into engaging, human-centred experiences — blending clarity, creativity, and purpose to make communication both beautiful and impactful.
I’m a senior graphic designer who believes design should inform, inspire, and connect. With over two decades in editorial and institutional design, I craft visual stories that build connection and meaning. I’m passionate about turning complex ideas into engaging, human-centred experiences — blending clarity, creativity, and purpose to make communication both beautiful and impactful.
Environmental Practices:
I approach design with environmental awareness, choosing materials and formats that minimise waste while maintaining quality. I prioritise responsibly sourced paper, efficient print runs, and digital solutions that extend reach with less impact. Sustainability, for me, means designing thoughtfully — balancing creativity, purpose, and respect for resources.
I approach design with environmental awareness, choosing materials and formats that minimise waste while maintaining quality. I prioritise responsibly sourced paper, efficient print runs, and digital solutions that extend reach with less impact. Sustainability, for me, means designing thoughtfully — balancing creativity, purpose, and respect for resources.
Previous Awards Won:
MACE (Marketing, Advancement & Communication in Education) Gold: Skills Award for Excellence – Design for Printed Media, Wits Review (2024, 2021, 2019, 2018) Silver: Skills Award for Excellence – Design for Printed Media, Wits Review (2023, 2022, 2021) Bronze: Design for Digital Media, Alumni Homecoming Weekend Email Campaign (2023) SA Publication Forum Awards Best Design / Excellence in Design / Best External Magazine, Wits Review (2021, 2019) University of the Witwatersrand Vice-Chancellor’s Service Excellence Award (2021) 2010 FIFA World Cup Host City Poster, Tshwane
MACE (Marketing, Advancement & Communication in Education) Gold: Skills Award for Excellence – Design for Printed Media, Wits Review (2024, 2021, 2019, 2018) Silver: Skills Award for Excellence – Design for Printed Media, Wits Review (2023, 2022, 2021) Bronze: Design for Digital Media, Alumni Homecoming Weekend Email Campaign (2023) SA Publication Forum Awards Best Design / Excellence in Design / Best External Magazine, Wits Review (2021, 2019) University of the Witwatersrand Vice-Chancellor’s Service Excellence Award (2021) 2010 FIFA World Cup Host City Poster, Tshwane
