Shaping Brand Identity Through Messaging and Design

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Graphic and Website Design Learning and Meeting Solutions Marketing and Communications Media and Communications

The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) is a nationally recognized research and training center supporting early childhood education professionals and programs across the country.

Challenge

Amid a period of rapid growth, ECIC wanted to enhance communications to better articulate their mission, clarify their offerings, and strengthen their brand presence. They needed messaging and visuals that reflected their expertise and helped them more effectively connect with their audiences.

Solution

We delivered comprehensive strategic communications support, including message development, branding, marketing materials, and a full communication plan. We also provided change management consulting through facilitated regional conversations across the state to help staff understand and champion the organization’s evolving identity.

Results

ECIC now has a strong communications foundation to deepen outreach, engage stakeholders, and clearly communicate their impact. Staff across the organization gained alignment around ECIC’s shared mission and vision, supporting a more unified and mission-driven culture.

Strategic Communication Plan

To guide ECIC’s communications, we developed an internal and external communication plan outlining key goals, strategies, and a clear roadmap for implementing improvements. The plan identified tasks, timelines, and responsibilities across multiple areas to help the team work more efficiently and consistently.

Message Development

To better reach early childhood educators, systems leaders, and higher education faculty, we developed center-level and program-level messaging tailored to each audience. This included an analysis of ECIC’s goals, audiences, differentiators, potential barriers, similar organizations, and key partners to ensure the messaging was clear, resonant, and actionable.

Branding

To create a visual identity that aligned with ECIC’s personality and audiences, our design team developed a new logo and full branding guidelines. From mood boards and logo concepts to typography and graphic elements, we collaborated closely with ECIC leadership to create a polished yet playful brand that resonated with the organization’s audiences and strengthened their presence.

Infographics

To make complex information more accessible, we designed infographics for ECIC’s Workforce Development Project. One highlighted key data points about Missouri’s early childhood workforce, underscoring the initiative’s reach and impact. The second mapped various early childhood career pathways, offering a clear, visual guide for students, educators, and workforce partners navigating the field.

Marketing Resources

To bring ECIC’s messaging and new brand to life, we created a promotional flyer highlighting the center’s mission and offerings. We also developed PowerPoint templates that staff could use for conference presentations nationwide, ensuring a cohesive and professional presence across all engagements.

Change Management Consulting

To support staff through ECIC’s organizational growth, we facilitated in-person brand ambassador and change management trainings across the state. These sessions helped staff understand the changes underway, align around the refreshed vision, and confidently represent the organization, strengthening a unified, mission-driven culture.