Guiding the Future of Cancer Control

Objective: The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) uses population data to advance cancer research and help people live longer, healthier lives. The DCCPS Overview & Highlights report is an annual report spotlighting the initiatives and accomplishments of the division for that year. The goal for the 2021 report was to bring their mission to life through a cohesive concept and engaging design.

Solution: For the 2021 report, origami was used as both the visual theme and conceptual inspiration. Origami served as a powerful metaphor for the process of scientific research. Like origami, research begins with a blank sheet—raw and full of potential. As data is gathered, analyzed, and interpreted, it folds in on itself, gradually revealing complexity, structure, and insight. In both cases, what starts as something simple is transformed into a result that is intricate, purposeful, and dynamic.

Visually, the design incorporated thin, intersecting lines and generous white space to evoke the elegant and delicate folds of origami. Photography of various paper forms added texture and served as symbolic representations of the ideas within the report, working together to bridge form, function, and meaning.

The client was so ecstatic with the result, that they requested an entire communication package centered around the origami theme. This package included a custom microsite, a motion graphic video, Twitter ads, a PowerPoint template, and even commemorative trophies in the shape of origami birds.

2022 Webby - People's Voice Winner

2022 American Advertising Awards DC - 3 Silver (Publication Design, Microsites, and Digital Publications)