The 2008 D&AD Annual, designed by Neville Brody, launches in mid-September, but we've been given a sneak preview of its cover, shown above. This year the Annual is finally recognising the digital age with the theme 'Digital vs Anti Digital', which according to D&AD President Simon Waterfall represents "the evolution of the digital industry".

"Clients and creatives are moving away from 'can we do this technically' to 'should we do this for the brand?'," he continues. "Digital design today is more joined up, more integrated and more about brand behaviour than bits and bytes - what a great time to be a part of this industry."

For the first time, all content from the Annual will also be published online, alongside videos of the judges of this year's D&AD Awards and interviews with creatives on the future of the industry. There will be links throughout the book that lead readers to the online Annual, which has been created by Kent Lyons.

Brody's book design also aims to reflect the digital theme. "Being asked to design the D&AD Annual this year was not only a great honour, but also a challenge," he says. "The question was how to create something which would reflect a dynamic state, one in which we find ourselves today.

"The very real schism and understanding-gap between digital and anti-digital, design and anti-design, decoration and art direction, presents us with a wonderful opportunity for debate and growth," he continues. "The book itself is intended to be an experimental and living statement, presenting design as a transient and vital part of society, more than just a self reflective museum."

The Annual will be launched at the opening of an exhibition celebrating 45 years of D&AD Annuals, part of this year's London Design Festival, which will be held at the Royal College of Art in London from September 18-23. More info on the exhibition is here.