Publication design for the European Center for Kurdish Studies (EZKS), using Adobe InDesign and Illustrator to create engaging, accessible, and visually cohesive materials.
Europäisches Zentrum für Kurdische Studien, Berlin, Germany
December, 2024
#Printed Materials #Branding #Content #Visual Identity #Editorial Design #Animation
EZKS is a Berlin-based research institute dedicated to advancing Kurdish studies through interdisciplinary academic research. Established in 1999, it continues the work of the Kurdistan Working Group at the Free University of Berlin. Committed to knowledge and cultural preservation, EZKS also supports civil-society projects in Syria. Through academic publications and community-driven initiatives, the center fosters deeper understanding of Kurdish history, identity, and social issues.
EZKS needed a cohesive and professional editorial design for a series of books that would effectively communicate complex academic research. The challenge was to create layouts that balanced readability with visual appeal while maintaining a consistent identity across multiple publications. The design had to reflect the institute’s scholarly credibility and commitment to Kurdish studies.
To ensure a cohesive and professional editorial design for EZKS, we developed a structured and visually engaging layout system tailored to academic publications. The design incorporates clear typographic hierarchies, well-balanced spacing, and refined grid structures to enhance readability and accessibility. A carefully curated color palette and subtle visual elements provide a modern yet scholarly aesthetic, reinforcing EZKS’s credibility. This approach ensures consistency across multiple publications while maintaining a distinct identity that reflects the institute’s dedication to Kurdish studies.
Designed for clarity and readability, the layout follows a structured grid with balanced typography. Clean margins, a refined typeface, and consistent section dividers ensure a professional and engaging reading experience.
The colors were carefully selected to align with the identity of community bodies, non-profit organizations, and non-governmental institutions. This palette conveys inclusivity and participation, symbolizing the involvement of all societal segments in decision-making. The chosen tones also evoke a sense of calm and contemplation, reinforcing the thoughtful and research-driven nature of the publications.
The graphic elements are designed to enhance readability and convey a sense of structure and clarity. Subtle geometric shapes and clean lines reflect the academic and research-driven nature of the publications, while carefully balanced layouts ensure accessibility for a diverse readership. These elements work harmoniously with the color palette to support inclusivity, engagement, and the transmission of knowledge.
The design elements are applied consistently across the book series to ensure clarity, cohesion, and visual impact. Thoughtfully structured layouts, balanced typography, and carefully selected colors enhance readability while reinforcing the identity of the publications. Geometric shapes and graphic elements symbolize societal structures and transformations, creating a visual language that aligns with the research-driven and analytical nature of the content.
The animations are crafted to align with the themes of each book, serving as dynamic promotional tools in advertising campaigns. Designed to be engaging and visually compelling, these motion graphics enhance audience interest, making the content more accessible and impactful.
