A big challenge in creating it was finding ways to avoid portraying the subjects in a clichéd or sentimental fashion. “We always set out to define the objectives, but we try not to set up too many design parameters too early,” Nguyen says. “Once the photography is finished and we’ve gathered the stories, certain elements will rise to the top and we try to let them guide the direction.” There is nothing the least bit hackneyed or dull in this report, which has proven so far to be very helpful to banks around the city. “Whether it’s the information, photography or the design,” says Nguyen, “there’s an effort to maintain surprising elements throughout.” With none of the usual slick formality of “bank literature,” Methodologie has managed to present solid information in an engaging and stylish format. by Dana Rouse