For the first time in its 23-year history, the national charity Epilepsy Action has unveiled a new look created by Offthetopofmyhead. The rebranding initiative aims to change how the general public views epilepsy and emphasizes the charity’s dedication to enhancing the lives of individuals affected by the illness.
The redesigned logo’s eye-catching and bold style reflects the charity’s goal. The visual interruption of the word “epilepsy” represents how the disorder disrupts people’s lives, highlighting the challenges faced by those with epilepsy. In contrast, “action” is displayed strongly and continuously, emphasizing the charity’s proactive approach and commitment to assistance.
The new color scheme is lively and dynamic, inspiring optimism and hope. The brand is made recognizable and effective by combining a bright accent color with the primary hue, a deep blue, symbolizing trust and dependability.
A prominent feature of the new visual identity is the custom headline typeface, appropriately called “Interruption.” This bespoke typography graphically expands on the interrupted logo’s concept. The appearance of each letter being partially sliced or broken emphasizes that epilepsy disrupts continuity. Despite this, the typeface remains readable and eye-catching, making it effective for headlines and important messages.
The new tagline for the rebrand is “Epilepsy says stop. We say go.” This catchphrase encapsulates the spirit of the nonprofit organization, highlighting that despite the obstacles epilepsy presents, Epilepsy Action is committed to helping those affected move forward.
Offthetopofmyhead developed a “discovery research program” in close collaboration with Epilepsy Action to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of individuals with epilepsy. This involved speaking with people like charity trustee Tom McLaughlin, who has firsthand knowledge of the illness. His statement, “Epilepsy interrupts your life. You never know what’s going to happen when you go outside,” emerged as a major theme during the design process.
The visual identity goes beyond just the logo and typography. The interrupted portraits of individuals with epilepsy in the graphic system vividly represent the disorder’s unpredictable and disruptive nature. These photos, taken by portrait photographer Slater King, add a more intimate and human touch, increasing the relatability and visibility of the condition’s effects.
The design elements are used across various platforms, including the charity’s website, marketing materials, and social media accounts, to create a unified and consistent brand presence. This helps increase awareness and improve the charity’s visibility and accessibility.
Epilepsy Action’s rebranding is more than a cosmetic refresh; it is a calculated effort to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and improve the visibility of epilepsy. The organization aims to highlight the importance of proper medication and support for those affected by epilepsy, as the disorder impacts 630,000 people in the UK and results in 1,000 fatalities each year.
