#EDITORIAL
Options magazine
Options magazine is a comprehensive magazine showcasing the multifaceted, interdisciplinary research conducted at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA). The magazine integrates various strands of work from across the institute by featuring the latest research news and how they converge to inform policy and address the complex, interconnected global challenges facing society today.
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APPROACH
The magazine’s design is crafted to present complex, interconnected research topics in a clear, engaging, and visually compelling manner, catering to a diverse audience that includes policymakers, academics, and the general public.
Each issue integrates science with clean, sophisticated layouts, seamlessly combining text, images, and infographics. The design prioritises clarity and effective storytelling, utilising charts, diagrams, and maps to distil complex data and emphasise key findings.
Through the use of modern typography, refined color palettes, and innovative, versatile design elements, the magazine guides readers through interdisciplinary narratives, illustrating how IIASA’s research addresses critical global challenges.
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RE-DESIGN
The magazine’s redesign balances innovation with continuity, ensuring a visually compelling and engaging reading experience. Reader feedback highlighted strengths in content variety but identified areas for improvement in engagement, regional representation, and design. The process began with archival research, typography testing, and benchmarking against industry leaders. Fonts were carefully selected with reader testing, refining the magazine’s aesthetic while maintaining its established identity. A key enhancement was the reintroduction of data visualisations, making complex research findings more accessible and impactful.
Each issue is designed to captivate and inform, particularly in high-visibility settings such as conferences. Bold colours, dynamic illustrations, and high-contrast visuals draw readers in while reinforcing the significance of IIASA’s research. By integrating modern typography, refined colour palettes, and seamless layouts, the magazine transforms complex scientific insights into clear, compelling narratives that highlight the global impact of systems analysis.
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PROMOTION
Options is promoted through dynamic animated trailers that introduce key features of each issue, bringing its content to life in an engaging and accessible way. Subscribers receive an exclusive e-newsletter with curated snippets, previewing in-depth stories and research highlights. The magazine is also showcased across all major social media platforms, ensuring broad reach and engagement with diverse audiences, from policymakers to academics and the wider public.
