National Geographic has been capturing our imagination with breaktaking photography for more than 100 years. They understand that their readers are a visually-hungry audience, and they’re taking that learning to create a better experience with a bolder, more contemporary design.
With the launch of the May print issue, you’ll be able to feel the difference before you even see it, thanks to premium paper stocks. The more major changes come through in the front pages. Working with design firm Godfrey Dadich Partners, National Geographic will introduce three new sections: “Proof,” “Embark,” and “Explore.”“Proof is a story told through photography. We wanted to start with what the publication does best: visual storytelling. Embark addresses in-the-news topics. It kicks off this month with an essay on sexual harassment in the sciences. Explore illuminates the world’s wonders,” said Editor in Chief Susan Goldberg in a blog post.
Proof. Image provided by Godfrey Dadich Partners
Embark. Image provided by Godfrey Dadich Partners.
Explore. Image provided by Godfrey Dadich Partners.
Deeper into the magazine, readers will find shorter features that are rich with photos and illustrations. These will be accompanied with some traditional-length features and “one major, marquee package.”
The May issue also introduces two new typefaces adapted from National Geographic’s history. “Earle,” named in honor of the legendary oceanographer Sylvia Earle, and “Marden,” a clean design inspired by pioneer color photographer Luis Marden.
Image provided by Godfrey Dadich Partners
We’re loving these new designs—a powerful UX in print. Explore these changes yourself when the May issue hits newsstands on April 24 and online at ngm.com.
Emily has written for some of the top tech companies, covering everything from creative copywriting to UX design. When she's not writing, she's traveling the world (next stop: Japan!), brewing kombucha, and biking through the Pacific Northwest.
