World Vision's Chronicle: A 70-Year Journey Through Design

Yunsik Son's Art Book Captures Decades of Hope and Happiness

World Vision, an organization with roots in post-war Korea, has evolved into a beacon of hope for children worldwide. To commemorate its journey, Yunsik Son has conceptualized a book that not only chronicles the organization's past but also serves as a testament to its ongoing mission. The book's design is a homage to the happiness World Vision has fostered over the years, encapsulated in the acronym B.U.I.L.D—Belief, Unity, Integration, Life, Dream. This concept is visually represented on the book's cover, where typography is not merely for reading but becomes a tactile, graphic experience.

Yunsik Son's approach to the book's design is both playful and profound. The use of transparent film and perforated designs between chapters is more than an aesthetic choice; it's a storytelling device that brings the reader face-to-face with the children impacted by World Vision's work. Each page turn is an invitation to engage with the narrative, making the act of reading an interactive experience. The design team, led by creative directors Sun-nam Kim and Yun-sik Son, with designers Bommina Choi and Hye-ryun Jung, and planner Su-jin Bang, has meticulously crafted a book that is as informative as it is innovative.

The technical aspects of the book's design are equally impressive. With a matte-coated cover and orange hot foil stamping, the book exudes a sense of sophistication and quality. Measuring 210mm by 210mm and spanning 112 pages, the book is a substantial work that manages to convey its message without overwhelming the reader. The choice of black hardboard for the case adds to the book's elegance, with hot foil stamping reinforcing the 'BUILD' concept.

Intended for corporate and institutional PR managers, the book aims to engage its audience with World Vision's significant role in global humanitarian efforts. The additional printings of the summary leaflet underscore the book's success in reaching a broader audience, establishing World Vision's historical footprint. This project, which began in August 2021 and concluded in February 2022, is a testament to the power of design in storytelling and the importance of preserving history through art.

Yunsik Son's design faced the challenge of integrating diverse manuscripts from various departments into a unified narrative. The solution was found in the careful application of the 'BUILD' concept through typography and visual elements, ensuring a cohesive yet dynamic design. The result is a book that not only informs but also inspires, inviting readers to reflect on World Vision's transformative journey from a war-torn past to a future filled with hope and giving.

This art book is not just a collection of pages; it's a curated experience that celebrates World Vision's legacy. Awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2024, it stands as a testament to Yunsik Son's creative ingenuity and the organization's enduring impact. The book is a powerful reminder that design can be a force for good, building bridges between the past and the future, and between the pages of a book and the real world.