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Black Health Legacy is a major new research project led by Dr Veline L'Esperance and Professor Sarah Finer at Queen Mary University London and Professor Inês Barroso and Dr TJ McKinley at University of Exeter. The research is funded by a prestigious Discovery award from the Wellcome Trust.
Black Health Legacy aims to improve the prediction, diagnosis and treatment of health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease that affect Black African and Black Caribbean communities through genetic research.
“Africa is where modern humans evolved and is the starting place for the global expansion of our species… African populations also have the highest levels of genetic and phenotypic variation among all humans.”
To support the project, we co-designed the visual identity and created display banners, leaflets, posters, social media assets and participant study materials. We are now developing the website, animations and a range of resources to promote participation and engagement among groups that are often excluded.
The website will be designed to demystify health research jargon, reinforcing Black Health Legacy’s mission to transform the health narrative for Black African and Black Caribbean communities in the UK.
We developed the identity through a series of co-design activities where we explored the diversity of African cultures and materials, while reflecting on the team’s wish to capture ideas around community as well as underlying genetic structures.
“Design Science has consistently shown a deep commitment to amplifying the voices and experiences of our diverse communities. Their ability to translate complex scientific concepts into inclusive, accessible and visually compelling designs across a wide range of contexts has been truly impressive.”
To support the identity’s use, we developed a digital identity guide that shows how the identity can be used across physical and digital touch points.
The identity includes iconography and infographics that draw on the colours and elements of the logo.
We’ve also provided the team with tips and hints to help ensure the project communicates in clear, accessible language. This isn’t about using simplistic or childish language, but about achieving clarity and avoiding unnecessary complexity.
We have developed a range of participant information materials to make joining the research clear and accessible. We are also in the process of creating a study animation aimed at engaging non-English speaking communities.
“Collaborating with a design team that not only understands the complexities of research governance and delivery but also places diversity and inclusion at the heart of their process is invaluable.”
Do get in touch if you’d like to bring knowledge to life across complex health, science or education challenges. We’d be delighted to collaborate.
