The Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC), one of Australia’s oldest charities, has today unveiled its new brand and positioning, relaunching as NextSense.
NextSense is a not-for-profit that provides dedicated, innovative and customised services aimed at breaking down barriers for children, adults and families of people with hearing or vision loss. The new brand unites RIDBC and its groups and services, including Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre (SCIC), Renwick Centre research institute, and Tarayle and RIDBC schools and preschools.
At its core the new brand identity, created by Interbrand Sydney, is about enhancing futures.
The dots and waves of the brand identity are inspired by soundwaves and braille dots, giving the brand tools to represent both hearing and vision. Bold, AAA-accessible colours make sure there’s always a high contrast for people with vision loss. Next Sans—the new brand typeface—was also custom-made for maximum legibility.
Throughout the brand the photography, illustration, and tone of voice have all been developed to put people front-and-centre—telling the stories of children, adults, families, teachers, students, professionals and volunteers who enhance their future with NextSense.
Nicole Smith, NextSense Director Marketing & Communications, said, “From our comprehensive range of services, to the diversity of people we support, employ and communicate with, NextSense is many things to many people.
“So we’ve created a brand that is adaptable and accessible. That can speak to different people, in different ways, at different stages of their journey. And, most importantly, a brand that will always enhance their experience.”
Chris Rehn, NextSense Chief Executive, said, “NextSense is dedicated to supporting people with hearing or vision loss, their families and communities.
“This evolution will enable us to support more Australians in their hearing and vision health journeys, uniting our full range of expertise and services under a single identity for the first time.
“It builds on our rich history and underlines our commitment to world-leading service, research, innovation, and educating the next generation of experts.
“In making this change, NextSense recognises that to support people the right way, we need to constantly challenge ourselves to lift the limits on what’s possible.”
Alex Creamer, Creative Lead at Interbrand, said, “Over the past three years, it’s been a pleasure to work with NextSense to future-fit their organisation and unite their services under a single brand. The team worked hard to inject creativity and practicality at every stage of the journey.
The NextSense brand puts people first, is in high definition, and is led by accessibility. And we’re really proud that all these elements help elevate the voice of everyone the organisation impacts—children as well as adults, families, communities, teachers, medical professionals, students, and volunteers and donors. These are the people who are shaping the future in the space of vision and hearing loss.
It’s been a privilege for us to have helped set NextSense on course for another 160 years of life-changing work.”
NextSense operates from an extensive number of centres across Australia and connects with families in any corner of Australia through virtual support sessions or telepractice.
