Abbott
Challenge:

Abbott, a global pharmaceutical, nutrition, and healthcare products company, was inconsistently marketed across lines of business. We were asked to create a visual identity system that unified their brand to promote a clear, customer-focused image.

Solution:

We designed a vibrant, new visual identity that helped Abbott communicate consistently across businesses, appealing to both patients and healthcare professionals.


Agency: Prophet

Role: Design Director, Designer

Award: GDUSA American Graphic Design Awards. Corporate Branding Programs (2015)

 
Brand identity system

We created a kit of brand elements — logo, color palette, typography, imagery style — to be used on all Abbott communications and make them feel like part of one family. Our team designed brand guidelines demonstrating how to use the elements on websites, print collateral, social media, packaging, and advertising.

 

A Brand Resource Center was developed in conjunction with the SapientNitro agency and housed all brand assets, including artwork, imagery, templates, and guidelines on visual identity and brand voice.

 
Visual design principles: consistent but flexible

A set of visual design principles made it easier to apply the brand elements with consistency, regardless of the media or format. This allowed a seamless style across all brand touchpoints. The system was designed with flexibility to allow Abbott to adjust the tone of messages.

Typography

To achieve a consumer-friendly tone on patient communications, we used bold sans-serif typography:

 

To achieve a straightforward and more direct tone for healthcare professionals, we used serif typography:

 
Photography

Photos are the backbone of Abbott storytelling and share a common thread of humanity, greatness, and authenticity. 

 
Infographics and icons

Infographics and icons are friendly, accessible, and help audiences visually navigate communications. 

 
How it came to life

The unified design principles allowed a consistent approach on digital applications like social media and business unit websites.

 

An illustrative approach was used for Abbott’s mobile app icons. Unity was achieved through consistent placement of the Abbott wordmark and a shared color palette.

 

Business cards used vibrant color on the back for bold brand moment.

 

Outdoor and print ads used photography to tell amazing human stories.

 

Abbott celebrated the relaunch of their brand by holding a closing-bell event at the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Subway entrance near the New York Stock Exchange.