Service
Sector
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, where innovation intersects with empathy, the importance of branding cannot be overstated. It serves as the face of an organisation, conveying its values, mission and commitment to the community it serves and brings a human element ever so paramount in this industry. TOAST has been partnering recently with changemaking clients in the healthcare industry, working together to produce brands for transformative projects like Flamingo and the Centre for Pain IMPACT. Design in this space requires a significant level of respect, empathy and ethical conduct and our Toasties are strongly motivated by the strategic crafting of a compassionate brand.
Our latest brand for March 2024 is Centre for Pain ‘IMPACT,’ standing as a beacon of hope in the realm of chronic pain research. Fueled by a passionate team of psychologists and neuroscientists, their mission transcends conventional approaches, aiming not just to manage symptoms but to unearth the roots of chronic pain and pave the path towards a cure. But beyond their groundbreaking research, IMPACT recognised the need to establish a distinct brand identity, one that mirrors their innovative spirit and unwavering dedication to alleviating suffering.
At the core of IMPACT's brand identity lies a profound respect for the experiences of individuals battling chronic pain. TOAST, in collaboration with IMPACT, embarked on a journey to craft a brand narrative that validates and empathises with the lived realities of patients. By engaging with scientists, clinicians and those impacted by chronic pain, the team behind IMPACT fostered an environment of collective intelligence and shared purpose. This approach not only humanises their brand but also reinforces their commitment to inclusivity and understanding.
Empathy isn't just a buzzword for IMPACT; it's a guiding principle woven into the fabric of their brand. Their empathetic design choices, such as a softened colour palette and imagery depicting individual and group-based support, reflect their holistic approach to healthcare. Moreover, their logotype, featuring two hands coming together in symmetry, symbolises the collaborative journey towards pain relief and improved quality of life. This visual identity not only resonates with stakeholders but also serves as a testament to IMPACT's unwavering dedication to empathy-driven innovation.
This draws great parallels with the brand TOAST created for End of Life Planning service, Flamingo. Recognised in the healthcare branding category at both the 2023 Sydney Design Awards and 2024 Australian Design Awards, Flamingo encourages the quashing of stigma and open discussions around end of life procedures. Many overlook the importance of discussing end-of-life preferences, making it a challenging topic to address. The team behind Flamingo sought to change this by creating a user-friendly digital solution, aiming to destigmatise the conversation. Our task was to support in launching this platform, reframing how people approach End of Life Planning, which is often considered taboo. TOAST’s approach crucially involved reframing the conversation, being sensitive to diverse viewpoints and keeping pace with evolving discourse. Through extensive research and workshops, we developed a compelling concept: presenting end-of-life planning as a natural part of life, akin to obtaining insurance. This central idea was encapsulated in the slogan "Act of Love, Act of Life." Working with utmost sensitivity, ensured through communication and transparency with stakeholders. The website design prioritised inclusivity, discretion and comfort for all users, with subtle branding to maintain privacy.
In an industry fraught with challenges, maintaining ethical conduct is non-negotiable. For brands like IMPACT and Flamingo, ethical integrity isn't just a checkbox; it's the cornerstone of their existence. Their commitment to transparency, integrity and patient-centricity permeates every aspect of their brand, earning them the trust and respect of their stakeholders. By prioritising ethical conduct and communicating this in their brand suite, they not only uphold the values of their organisation but also set a benchmark for others in the industry.
In the dynamic landscape of health services, branding isn't just about logos and colour schemes; it's about embodying the values of respect, empathy and understanding. As exemplified by our projects like Flamingo and the Centre for Pain IMPACT, brands have the power to inspire change, foster understanding and transform lives. As especially recognised in Flamingo’s 2 Silver wins at the 2023 Sydney Design Awards and 2024 Australian Design Awards! By prioritising these principles in branding, organisations can not only differentiate themselves in a crowded market but also forge meaningful connections with the communities they serve. As we navigate the complexities of healthcare, let us remember that behind every brand lies a story of compassion, integrity and the relentless pursuit of healing.
TOAST seeks to support brands, organisations, and initiatives working to better the future of our world. Please reach out to our team with any questions and project queries by emailing our Head of Strategy, Emile Rastoll, or Nicholas Sammut, our Managing / Creative Director, at hello@toastcreative.com.au.
For more information about our brand and business solutions, please get in touch with our team.
At TOAST, we create strategic campaigns and creative brand identities which engage multiple stakeholders, uniting them around a common goal - to create a better future for Australia.
We are Brand Makers.
We are Place Makers.
We are Future Makers.
At TOAST, we are Makers.
