OpenResearch, a nonprofit research organization, has introduced a new visual identity that aligns with its innovative mission and growing impact in the research community. Originally launched as YC Research under Y Combinator in 2015, the organization rebranded in 2020 to reflect its broader focus better. The updated identity, designed by Play, a San Francisco-based agency, represents a significant change from the previous logo, emphasizing academic rigor and entrepreneurial spirit.
The most noticeable change in the new logo is the redesign of the logomark. The old logo featured an “R” inside an “O,” attempting to symbolize openness and human connection, but it lacked refinement. The new logo simplifies this concept by using a series of parallel lines that form an abstract “O.” These lines vary in length, creating an optical illusion of depth and suggesting layers of data and research. The upward tilt of the icon adds a sense of movement and optimism, symbolizing progress and forward-thinking.
The new logo’s wordmark is set in Atlas Grotesk, a modern and professional typeface. Its lightweight and slightly condensed form gives it a sleek, contemporary look that fits well with the organization’s focus on research and innovation. This marks a significant improvement over the previous wordmark, which lacked distinctiveness.
The new identity’s color palette is inspired by materials commonly found in research environments, such as papers and inks. The colors include coral, ochre, and honeydew, adding warmth and a sense of exploration, while black and white maintain the seriousness and rigor expected in academic research. This combination reflects the dual nature of OpenResearch’s work: methodical, precise, creative, and exploratory.
The typographic system complements the overall design, combining National 2, Atlas Grotesk, and Atlas Typewriter fonts. These fonts evoke the look of research papers, grounding the brand in academic tradition while embracing a modern aesthetic. National 2, despite its widespread use, is chosen for its versatility and ability to convey authority and reliability. The supporting fonts work well together, providing a cohesive system across digital and print mediums.
Overall, OpenResearch’s new identity effectively bridges the gap between academic rigor and the dynamic energy of a startup. It captures the essence of the organization’s mission to explore new research areas while providing a strong, recognizable visual brand. The redesigned logo and visual system are visually appealing and symbolic, reflecting the organization’s commitment to openness, collaboration, and forward-thinking research.
As OpenResearch continues to grow and evolve, this new visual identity will help the organization present itself more clearly and confidently. It signals a commitment to traditional academic values and startups’ innovative, problem-solving culture. The new logo represents more than just a visual update; it is a thoughtful redesign that aligns with OpenResearch’s mission to explore big questions and share its findings with the global research community.