Ummeed is a deaddiction and rehab centre based in South Bengaluru. Ummeed—meaning hope in Urdu—was founded with a mission to help individuals reclaim their lives from addiction and mental health challenges. In the future, Ummeed hopes to extend its services to old-age care, special-needs care, assisted living, and rejuvenation facilities.
Given the deeply human and transformative nature of their work, the branding needed to embody optimism, warmth, and a sense of renewal.
The final logo draws inspiration from O. Henry’s short story The Last Leaf, in which an old artist paints a single leaf on a wall to save a young woman’s will to live. The story’s profound message—that hope can sustain life even in the bleakest moments—perfectly resonated with Ummeed’s philosophy.
In the logo, the form of an abstract plant is crafted from the Urdu script for Ummeed. From this delicate stem grows a solitary leaf, signifying resilience and the promise of transformation. The framing element—an open window—gives the design breathing space, reinforcing the idea of openness and possibility.
The colour palette was intentionally chosen to feel grounding yet uplifting. Earthy warmth meets a fresh accent of green, evoking both steadiness and new beginnings.
Among three design directions presented, this concept stood out immediately to the founders. They shared that seeing the mark reinforced their faith in their mission and inspired them to do more meaningful work.
On inauguration day, the logo drew admiration from invitees, young doctors, and members of the community alike. People remarked on how thoughtfully it encapsulated Ummeed’s purpose.
For us, it was satisfying to build a brand that not only speaks to an organization’s audience but begins by inspiring the founders themselves—helping them fall in love all over again with why they do what they do. After all, that is what we believe design can do: help people fall in love with their work.
Today, Ummeed continues to offer holistic healing—addressing mental health with a blend of medical, psychological, and therapeutic support. Whether clients are seeking assessment, personalized care plans, or intensive recovery programs, Ummeed’s team of professionals remains committed to walking beside them on their journey.
Designing this identity was a reminder that branding can be more than a symbol—it can be a daily touchstone, reaffirming why an organization exists. For Ummeed, it is a quiet but powerful visual that says: no matter how stark the branches may look, there is always the possibility of life, growth, and hope.
Dr Rafiuddin Rashed
Founder, Ummeed