Background
The National League of Cities (NLC) and Google collaborated on a dual-purpose publication about Artificial Intelligence (AI), aiming to highlight how cities are leveraging this technology to benefit their communities. The publication served both as a report on AI’s current applications in municipalities and as a toolkit to guide other cities in integrating AI into their services and programs. Given the complexity of the topic, a key objective was to present the information with clarity and accessibility.
The Challenge
From a design perspective, the challenge was to seamlessly integrate both NLC’s brand identity and illustrations created by Google’s design team into a cohesive visual narrative. Since AI remains a technology met with some skepticism, the publication needed to convey optimism and highlight its positive impact on communities.
We approached the cover design with a focus on possibility, perspective, and outcomes. Our sketches explored dynamic compositions, ultimately leading to a design featuring angular lines extending beyond the margins while shaping the letters “AI.” This concept symbolized forward movement and limitless potential. As we developed the interior layout, we expanded on this visual language, incorporating a three-dimensional typographic illustration that placed AI at the forefront. This distinct approach ensured the publication stood out within NLC’s online resource library.
To reinforce the theme of exploration and adaptability, we introduced triangular-shaped graphic elements throughout the report, representing AI’s transformative possibilities. These secondary elements provided consistency across sections, creating a sense of movement and progress.
For the toolkit section, we used a more subdued color palette to differentiate it from the main report. Section openings featured symbols designed by Google’s team, which we seamlessly integrated into the layout, maintaining a unified visual style.
The Outcome
The final publication was unveiled at NLC’s City Summit 2024 to a large audience, sparking curiosity and discussions about AI’s role in municipal innovation. The design played a key role in making the content engaging and approachable, reinforcing a sense of urgency around adopting AI in local government. Through thoughtful application of design elements—including callouts, case studies, section dividers, and graphics—featured cities were effectively highlighted, serving as inspiration for others looking to harness AI’s potential.
