Parkinson’s UK: A Tulip That Gives Hope For Better

The charity Parkinson’s UK was founded in 1969 under the name Parkinson’s Disease Society. Today, it is the largest support network for people with Parkinson’s disease in the UK, bringing together more than 300 local groups across the country. In addition to providing assistance to patients and their families, the organization plays a key role in funding scientific research aimed at understanding the causes, improving treatments, and ultimately finding a cure for the disease.

Recently, Parkinson’s UK introduced a refreshed visual identity designed by the London-based studio Red Stone. This studio has built a strong reputation for its work with British healthcare and financial organizations, including the Bank of England. The main goal of the redesign was to modernize the charity’s image and align the brand with its new strategy, which focuses on enhancing the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Objectives of the Redesign

As Parkinson’s disease becomes more prevalent, the work of the organization is more relevant than ever. Therefore, the aim was not just to update the visual identity but to establish a clear positioning. The key message of the new strategy, “Pushing for better. Right here. Right now.”, emphasizes the urgency of action and the continuous pursuit of solutions.

Before the redesign, research and surveys were conducted among patients, healthcare professionals, and supporters to identify the main expectations of the community. One of the key tasks was to create a unifying symbol that would represent both the mission of the charity and the people living with the disease.

Logo and Symbolism

During the analysis of Parkinson’s UK’s previous branding, the designers identified a symbol that had already appeared in the organization’s visual language—the tulip. This flower is traditionally associated with Parkinson’s awareness and is widely used by other organizations supporting people with the disease.

The new logo is built around a stylized tulip integrated into the capital letter “P”. The flower’s silhouette is formed through negative space, while the curved lines in the aperture and lower part of the letter create the stem. This approach gives the symbol a natural, fluid, and memorable appearance, making it a strong and recognizable emblem.

Typography and Typeface

For the wordmark, Red Stone developed a custom typeface called Parkinsans, which complements the new logo’s concept. The distinctive curves of the letters, particularly in “a” and “k”, echo the shapes found in the icon, ensuring a cohesive branding experience.

The typeface is friendly, energetic, and human-centered, reflecting the charity’s mission. One significant feature is its accessibility—Parkinsans is open-source and is now available on Google Fonts, allowing for widespread use in Parkinson’s UK’s communications.

Color Palette and Visual Style

The primary brand color is a deep navy blue, complemented by cyan. This combination gives the identity a sense of calm, seriousness, and confidence, balancing professionalism with approachability.

The extended color palette is used extensively in illustrations and graphic elements, bringing warmth and friendliness to the brand. The charity’s materials stand out through bold navy blue text on cyan backgrounds, while typography and flexible font sizes add a sense of dynamism.

Overall Impression

The new identity for Parkinson’s UK combines thoughtful design with a strong conceptual foundation. While it incorporates elements typical of many charities, its execution is exceptionally well-crafted.

The logo, typography, and color scheme are carefully designed not just to refresh the charity’s image but to make it recognizable, accessible, and inspiring. This visual identity embodies the noble mission of the organization, supporting thousands of people living with Parkinson’s and giving them hope for a better future.

Join the Newsletter to get our latest content by email.

    Menu