Connecting the Dots
A leading company in personal genetics, 23andMe’s mission is to help people access, understand and benefit from the human genome. As the company became more recognized around the world, questions arose about how they could extend their brand to reflect their diverse reach—spanning scientists and research facilities, as well as families at home. One of 23andMe’s biggest challenges was to represent themselves in a distinguishable and consistent fashion across all platforms, and to all users.
23andMe asked us to help create a coherent and emotionally engaging brand experience that would connect people in a personal and human way.
Opportunity
Strengthen 23andMe’s visual brand identity and create a clear design language that connects a diverse range of people with their own genetic information.
Outcome
A brand experience that is reliable and distinguished, yet approachable and personal—which led to a 33% increase in new consumers and passing an important FDA review within a year of rebranding.
A unique identity
The inspiration behind 23andMe’s name and core theme guided us in our design exploration: the 23 pairs of chromosomes that comprise an individual’s genetic makeup, and which make each one of us unique.
Extensive visual style guides
Keeping the 23 pairs of chromosomes in mind, we created a visual design framework and an extensive style guide that included detailed iconography, color palettes, illustrations and photo usage examples.
Core visual design principles
Four core design principles were devised to steer our design process:
Decisive, not plain
Embrace white space for simple, clear communication.
Colorful, not chaotic
Utilize bright and playful colors for a friendly and human feel.
Familiar, not common
Make complexity approachable through subtle and intuitive language and visual identity.
Planned, not predictable
Avoid repetition and play with symmetry and asymmetry to provide a flexible, yet structured and consistent system.
Clear and recognizable design
Along with the 23 pairs of chromosomes, another important aspect of our designs was the concept of what lies beneath the skin—the fascinating synthesis of chromosomes that come together to form a unique entity. To illustrate this concept, we played with the idea of exteriors and the underlying interior. We used vibrant colors and striking geometrical forms paired with minimal aesthetics and simple shapes for a bold, but approachable look.
Signature elements
Three signature elements represent 23andMe’s graphic identity: the Dot, the Bean, and the Chromosome. As approved as a patent, these elements highlight 23andMe’s visual language.
New visual elements like the Notch and a graphical striped texture with additional pattern detail act as intuitive anchors to help users visualize their genetic data and add to the authenticity of the brand.
Approachable and inclusive
To accommodate 23andMe’s widening customer base that was shifting towards the homes of average consumers, we talked to customers and assessed their needs. We incorporated our findings into our designs, creating a brand identity that is accessible, reliable and easy to understand for all customers.
This accessibility was extended across a bunch of different platforms—from physical products like the 23andMe collection kit to the mobile website—to ensure a brand identity that was distinct, cohesive and, above all, inclusive.
A revitalized connection
Within a year of our collaboration, 23andMe revitalized their connection with their customers through their re-branding, and passed an essential FDA review of their health products. Together, we created a holistic experience that married scientific design appeal with an approachable look and human feel, which has been met with astounding results.
Collaborating with 23andMe was more than just helping a revolutionary healthcare company build a strong, recognizable identity. We are proud to have joined 23andMe in their mission of furthering the relationship between humans and their own DNA. With 23andMe’s refreshed design, people can better understand where they come from, and learn more about how they can take their genes into consideration when making decisions about their health.
