CASE STUDY
The Wistar Institute
Focus Quarterly Publication
Keeping Donors Engaged Through Strategic, Evolving Design
Project Scope:
Editorial Design, Print Design, Brand Strategy, Layout Refinement, Content Collaboration, Stakeholder Management, Multi-Round Revision Coordination, Visual Identity Maintenance
Situation
As one of the nation’s leading biomedical research institutions, The Wistar Institute relies on strong donor relationships to support its groundbreaking work.
To maintain and strengthen these connections, Wistar publishes Focus, a 24–28 page quarterly print publication mailed to over 3,500 households. It shares major research updates, institutional news, and stories of donor impact.
​
Wistar needed a creative partner to refine and evolve Focus—keeping it consistent with its established identity, while elevating its design, improving readability, and enhancing engagement. That’s where GDLOFT came in.
Strategy
“Can you help us refine the publication while honoring our brand and process?”
Our goal was to enhance the overall quality of Focus without disrupting the visual familiarity that donors had come to recognize. We approached this by making careful, intentional updates—refining layouts, sharpening visual hierarchy, and improving clarity across the board. The result was a more polished, readable, and compelling experience that still felt authentically “Wistar.”
We also had to consider the complexity behind the scenes. Focus is produced in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, with evolving feedback often arriving after initial layouts have begun. That meant our process had to be highly flexible, responsive, and precise.
Each issue required multiple cover options, several rounds of detailed edits, and consistent alignment with the institution’s communication goals. We approached each cycle with the patience, structure, and quality control needed to ensure excellence—every time.
Success
Design That Builds Trust and Sustains Support
By elevating the design while maintaining brand continuity, GDLOFT helped Wistar transform Focus into a more engaging and effective publication. Our process balanced creative growth with institutional consistency—resulting in a high-quality piece that continues to resonate with its audience.
Focus remains a key tool for donor engagement—demonstrating Wistar’s excellence and transparency while helping build long-term support for its mission.
​
​
