The Chief Officer for Scientific Workforce Diversity (COSWD)
COSWD leads NIH's diversity efforts in the scientific workforce, emphasizing recruitment and retention. The graphics reflect a comprehensive branding approach to establish NIH as a national authority in workforce diversity, fostering innovation and inclusivity for a stronger impact.
COSWD Logo Development
Developing a logo for COSWD following NIH strict standards and best practices requires precision and adherence to established guidelines. The focus is on maintaining consistency with existing NIH branding elements to ensure uniformity across all initiatives.
A Historic Glance
The client used the brain image and other elements in various products, resulting in inconsistent looks across the Office. To create cohesion, we evaluated COSWD's existing design materials and found a chance for backdoor branding. We strategically approached each project, building a cohesive whole.
Strategic Implementation
We researched National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and other brain initiatives to create unique approaches and designs. New options show how the brand colors could integrate within designed pieces. We incorporated their beloved brain, the idea of thinking differently and iconography into four concepts.
The Foundational Graphic
For COSWD diverse representation is paramount. It is important that anyone can see themselves in the assets we are creating. The palette is a nod to rainbow colors or a broad spectrum without being a direct representation. The individuals are encapsulated in thought bubbles to demonstrate their unique contributions to the entirety of the workforce and overlap to imply the close collaboration that is important to the COSWD.
A Transformative Brand Guide
The COSWD Brand Guide embodies the essence of inclusivity and belonging through powerful visual representation. By providing comprehensive guidelines for written content, logos, colors, typography, 508 compliance, imagery, and more, it reflects COSWD's values and mission. This commitment underscores the organization's dedication to cultivating a scientific community that mirrors the diversity of the society it serves.
Tone of Voice Guidelines
The COSWD’s goal is to maintain a consistent voice and tone in all communications and channels, conveying a formal, measured, and neutral message while remaining insightful. Tailoring the tone to the audience and purpose, the COSWD ensures direct, positive, accessible, and informative interactions with all stakeholders.
Developing a Rule Structure
Crafting a strong design rule structure for COSWD was vital for clear messaging and mission alignment. This strategic framework ensures brand coherence, resonates with the target audience, and reinforces COSWD's commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the scientific workforce.
Promoting a Diverse Social Connection
The role is crucial in promoting and advocating for diversity and inclusion in the scientific community. Social media can be a powerful tool to raise awareness, engage with stakeholders, and share valuable resources.
Streamlining GovDelivery Templates
COSWD GovDelivery Templates provide a valuable resource for effective and inclusive communication within the scientific community. These accessible templates serve as a framework for delivering important updates, announcements, and resources to a wide range of stakeholders.
The COSWD Fiscal Year 2022 Fact Sheet
Presented at Capitol Hill, this fact sheet captures COSWD's overview and accomplishments as they drive diversity forward in the U.S. scientific workforce for fiscal year 2022.
The COSWD Website Redesign
The COSWD website redesign embraces cutting-edge design principles to ensure a seamless and intuitive user journey. With enhanced navigation and streamlined content, visitors can effortlessly explore a wealth of resources, programs, and initiatives dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the scientific community.
diversity.nih.gov
The COSWD Podcast
In this podcast we explore how 'Great Minds Think Different.' We uncover the unique perspectives, innovative approaches, and dynamic collaborations that emerge when individuals with a diverse background come together.
COSWD Overview Video Background
The goal of this video is to generate awareness that COSWD is a champion for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility for the betterment of scientific research.
We presented two compelling concepts to COSWD for the overview video. The first concept, "Inclusive Excellence," draws inspiration from the timeless parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant, shedding light on the inherent limitations of individual perspectives. Our second concept, "Calling All Scientists," fearlessly tackles biases and shatters the false notion of uniformity within the scientific community. NIH is steadfast in our commitment to championing inclusive excellence and celebrating the vibrant diversity woven into the fabric of the scientific world.
COSWD made a deliberate choice to embrace the concept of "Inclusive Excellence," drawing inspiration from the timeless parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant. This decision underscores the profound insight that individual perspectives possess inherent limitations and emphasizes the pivotal role that each person's unique viewpoint and experiences play in advancing the scientific community.
The inspiration for this concept originated from Dr. Bernard's discussion of the elephant parable and its comparison to the vital role diverse perspectives play within the scientific community and an illustration that was used initially.
COSWD Overview Script
The selected concept revolves around Inclusive Excellence, drawing inspiration from the timeless elephant parable. This script seamlessly weaves together the background and data from COSWD while breathing life into the parable's narrative.
COSWD Overview Final Video
Engagement and Access for Research-Active Institutions (EARA) Promotional Video
The EARA initiative improves communication between Research-Active Institutions (RAIs) and NIH ICOs. RAIs focus on serving underrepresented populations in biomedical research and related fields. They have received an average of $25M/year in NIH RPG support over the past three years. The initiative targets Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) in rural areas, aligning with the CHIPS and Science Act.
