ion Learning is a B2B SaaS startup that deploys small-group learning at scale. After years of sharpening their mission, it was time for a brand refresh. But a brand is more than a set of visual rules — it’s about connecting the company’s values to its work. Well-designed libraries, systems, processes, and relationships needed to bring the ion team closer together.Streamlining the ion brand helped communicate a mission: make the path to success the path of least resistance.
Before approaching anything visual, we identified ion’s key personality traits and articulated them clearly. This guide served as the north star for all visual and informational decisions. Balancing play and authority led us to a soft, pillowy, and slightly candy-like visual language — every e-learning module became a delectable little treat.
Subtle changes to the logo made it more approachable and rounded, like the ion platform itself. And multiple color ways gave it more unique ways to complement its surroundings.
A more focused color palette brought greater cohesion and clarity to the ion brand. It’s still inviting and playful, but it feels more grown-up in context.
Swirling liquid gradients were central to ion’s brand. They differentiated courses and modules, giving each its own identity. Even with a reduced color palette, this gradient system allowed for over 1,000 possible combinations.
The ion website needed a radical transformation from afterthought to centerpiece. And although learners aren’t ion’s clientele, polishing their first impression when logging in was a missed opportunity. So we began a complete overhaul. By positioning ion’s course catalog as a distinct feature from its platform, we simplified the web experience — the platform and courses are intrinsically linked, but easier to understand separately.
In 2025 ion presented a series of webinars hosted by their CEO, Shavon Lindley. These presentations took into account multiple stakeholder perspectives to drive conversions. Designs reflected the updated brand.
ion won the She Loves Tech 2022 North America startup competition, and came in the top 12 globally. This animated deck communicated ion’s unique market position and encouraged investors to get involved. Carefully-orchestrated timing and glossy transitions showed that ion punches way above its weight.