At #inextremis, we take immense pride in designing Essay 8 – Railway Innovation in the 21st Century in close collaboration with the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER). Under the inspired leadership of Cliona Cunningham, Head of Communication at CER, this partnership culminated in a beautifully crafted publication that stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and vision.

Our role in this project focused on the design and visual storytelling of the essay, ensuring that the meticulously developed content by the CER team was presented in a compelling and engaging format. Together, we brought to life the eighth instalment of the CER Essay series, highlighting the rail sector’s multifaceted contributions to European society.

Elevating the CER Essay Series

The CER Essays initiative is a unique platform showcasing the rail sector’s role in EU transport policy and addressing broader societal challenges. Co-authored by CER member CEOs and leading academics, these essays delve into critical topics such as modal shifts, climate policies, infrastructure investment, high-speed rail, and demographic trends. Each publication aims to spark informed debate among policymakers and stakeholders on the evolving role of rail in Europe.

The design of the CER Essay series itself is also the result of a collaborative creation process with the CER team. We have developed a cohesive and recognisable visual identity for the series, ensuring consistency and professionalism across all editions. This visual framework reinforces the authority of the content while making each essay accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

The Design Process: Bringing Content to Life

Our collaboration with CER was a seamless blend of their expertise in content creation and our passion for design excellence. While the CER team shaped the essay’s thought-provoking content, we focused on creating a design that complemented and enhanced its message. Through thoughtful layout, impactful visuals, and a modern aesthetic, we ensured that the essay informed and captivated its audience.

Designing this publication involved:

• Clear visual hierarchy to guide readers through complex information with ease.
• Engaging graphics and illustrations to complement the essay’s rich content.
• Consistent branding to align the design with CER’s visual identity and elevate its professional image.

Innovation in Message and Medium

Essay 8 explores how railway innovation can address the challenges of the 21st Century, focusing on sustainability, interoperability, and digital transformation. We helped CER deliver a cohesive and impactful message to its audience by designing a publication that mirrors these themes. The result is a publication that stands as a powerful communication tool, amplifying CER’s thought leadership and vision for the future of European rail.

A Shared Achievement

This collaboration demonstrates the synergy that can be achieved when strategic content meets thoughtful design. It exemplifies how #inextremis works with leading organisations like CER to transform complex ideas into compelling narratives that resonate with key stakeholders.

We thank Cliona Cunningham and her team for their trust and partnership throughout this project. We have created a publication that informs and inspires action and dialogue.

If your organisation is seeking a partner to enhance the impact of your communication materials, we would be delighted to collaborate. At #inextremis, we specialise in design solutions that bring your ideas to life and drive meaningful change.