As we move deeper into 2025, the boundaries between digital and print design continue to blur, creating exciting opportunities for brands that embrace an integrated approach. The most successful campaigns now seamlessly weave together physical touchpoints and digital experiences, creating cohesive brand narratives that resonate across all channels.
At Jones DDA, we've been at the forefront of this evolution, helping businesses navigate the complex landscape of multi-channel design. Here are the key trends shaping integrated design in 2025 and how your brand can leverage them for maximum impact.
73%
of consumers say that integrated campaigns feel more authentic and trustworthy than single-channel marketing efforts.
— Marketing Week, 2024
Augmented Reality (AR) is no longer a futuristic concept—it's becoming standard practice in integrated design. Print materials embedded with AR triggers create immersive experiences that bridge physical and digital worlds.
Customers scan printed pages to see 3D product visualizations in their own space
Conference brochures that unlock exclusive video content and networking opportunities
Product packaging that reveals origin stories, recipes, or assembly instructions through AR
Pro Tip: When implementing AR in print, ensure the experience adds genuine value. The technology should enhance your message, not distract from it. Consider accessibility—always provide alternative ways to access the same information.
Sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's a business imperative. In 2025, brands are expected to demonstrate environmental responsibility across both digital and print touchpoints. The most forward-thinking companies are creating cohesive sustainability narratives that span all media.
Smart brands are creating closed-loop systems where digital and print reinforce each other's sustainability messages. For example, QR codes on printed materials can lead to detailed sustainability reports online, while digital campaigns promote recycling programs for physical marketing materials.
This integrated approach not only reduces environmental impact but also builds authentic connections with eco-conscious consumers who value transparency and action over greenwashing.
"Consumers don't want to choose between digital and print—they want brands that use each medium responsibly and purposefully."
Variable data printing (VDP) combined with digital personalization algorithms is creating unprecedented opportunities for one-to-one marketing. In 2025, brands can deliver highly personalized experiences across both digital and physical touchpoints without sacrificing efficiency or breaking budgets.
Customer behavior tracked across digital channels informs personalized print campaigns
AI-powered systems create unique variations for each recipient—from images to copy to offers
Print arrives as digital campaigns launch, creating cohesive multi-channel experiences
PURLs and QR codes connect print responses back to digital analytics platforms
higher response rates with personalized integrated campaigns vs. generic messaging
A recent campaign we designed for a financial services client used browsing behavior to determine which investment products appeared on personalized direct mail pieces. Each mailer included a unique QR code leading to a custom landing page pre-populated with the recipient's information.
Result: 47% conversion rate, compared to 12% for their previous one-size-fits-all approach.
There's a renaissance happening in print design, driven by a desire for tangible experiences in an increasingly digital world. However, the most successful tactile designs aren't fighting against digital—they're embracing it as a complementary partner.
Embossing, debossing, foil stamping, and spot UV creating memorable physical impressions
Textured papers, wood veneer, fabric, and unconventional materials that demand attention
Custom shapes and dimensional elements creating sculptural print pieces
These premium print experiences aren't standalone anymore. They serve as gateways to digital ecosystems:
Luxury packaging with NFC chips unlocking exclusive digital content
Embossed business cards linking to personalized video introductions
Die-cut event invitations that double as AR markers
Textured annual reports with integrated digital storytelling
The goal isn't to choose between tactile and digital—it's to create moments where the physical experience naturally leads to digital engagement, and vice versa.
QR codes have evolved far beyond their pandemic-era comeback. In 2025, they're sophisticated marketing tools that adapt based on when and where they're scanned, creating truly dynamic bridges between print and digital.
Same QR code leads to different content based on campaign phase or time of day
Delivers localized content based on where the scan occurs
Automatically optimizes experience for iOS vs. Android users
Multiple destinations tested automatically to optimize conversions
Deep tracking of scan rates, locations, times, and subsequent behavior
Design Consideration: QR codes don't have to be black-and-white squares. Custom-branded QR codes with colors, logos, and artistic elements maintain scannability while reinforcing brand identity.
of consumers now regularly scan QR codes on marketing materials—up from just 12% in 2019
A national restaurant chain printed QR codes on table tents. The same code directed lunch customers to daily specials, dinner customers to wine pairing recommendations, and late-night customers to dessert highlights. Location data automatically showed the nearest location's menu.
The most compelling campaigns of 2025 don't just replicate content across channels—they tell evolving stories where each medium contributes a unique chapter. Print introduces concepts, digital elaborates and personalizes, and physical experiences create memorable conclusions.
High-quality printed piece arrives, creating curiosity and establishing credibility. Visual design hints at deeper story.
QR code or PURL leads to immersive digital experience with video, interactive tools, and personalized content based on print recipient data.
Email, social retargeting, and additional print touchpoints continue the narrative, each adding new information or perspectives.
In-person event, product delivery, or store visit brings story full circle. Physical experience references digital and print elements.
"Think of integrated campaigns as Netflix series, not standalone movies. Each episode should be satisfying on its own while contributing to a larger narrative arc."
Understanding these trends is just the beginning. Here's how to put them into practice for your brand:
Map your current customer journey across all touchpoints. Where do print and digital naturally intersect? Where are the gaps? What experiences feel disconnected?
Don't try to transform everything at once. Choose one campaign or customer segment for a fully integrated approach. Test, measure, refine.
Recommended First Steps: Add QR codes to your next print run that lead to personalized landing pages, or create a direct mail piece that coordinates with an email campaign launch.
Integrated design requires integrated teams. Your digital marketers need to collaborate with print designers. Your data analysts need to inform creative decisions.
Successful integration requires technology that connects print and digital workflows: marketing automation platforms with print capabilities, dynamic QR code generators, cross-channel analytics, and variable data printing systems.
HubSpot, Marketo, Pardot
Beaconstac, QR Code Generator Pro
SendGrid Print, Lob, Inkit
Google Analytics 4, Adobe Analytics
Traditional metrics (open rates, click rates, response rates) still matter, but integrated campaigns demand integrated measurement. Track the full journey, not just individual touchpoints.
Key Integrated Metrics:
Cross-channel attribution • Customer lifetime value by acquisition source • Time-to-conversion across touchpoints • Channel influence scores • Integration lift (integrated vs. single-channel performance)
The question is no longer whether to integrate digital and print design—it's how to do it most effectively for your unique audience and objectives. The trends shaping 2025 all point toward experiences that honor the strengths of each medium while creating seamless connections between them.
Higher engagement with integrated campaigns
Better brand recall vs. single-channel
of marketers report improved ROI
At Jones DDA, we've spent decades mastering both print and digital design. What sets 2025 apart is how these once-separate disciplines now inform and enhance each other in every project we undertake. From AR-enhanced packaging to personalized multi-touch campaigns, we help brands create experiences that resonate across every touchpoint.
The brands that will thrive in 2025 and beyond aren't choosing between print and digital—they're choosing to integrate them strategically, thoughtfully, and beautifully.
For the past 3 years, Jones DDA has been at the forefront of integrated marketing and design. Our team combines strategic thinking with creative excellence to deliver campaigns that drive measurable results across all channels. From traditional print to cutting-edge digital experiences, we help brands tell their stories in ways that resonate and convert.
Continue exploring insights from Jones DDA
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Learn the essential principles for maintaining brand consistency while adapting to different media and audiences.
Explore how eco-conscious design decisions can reduce environmental impact while enhancing brand reputation.
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