Center for the Science of Early Trajectories

In October 2021, the University of Chicago Medicine launched an innovative center dedicated to studying how early infant health influences well-being across a lifetime. The Center for the Science of Early Trajectories (SET) unites the university’s strengths in biological research and world-class medical care to develop practices that improve lifelong health outcomes.

I collaborated with the center’s director and advisory board to design its visual identity. Through its research on premature infants, SET strives to ensure that every child is set for life by optimizing developmental trajectories for health and well-being.

My logo concept was inspired by the butterfly—a universal symbol of endurance, transformation, hope, and life. The four leaf-like shapes forming its wings reference the butterfly’s connection to growth and renewal—the butterfly lays its eggs on a leaf.

In 2024, we brought the butterfly to life through motion design. The animation serves as an engaging storytelling tool across the center’s marketing, website, presentations, and events.

Logo animation: Chris Ayers Creative