Project overview
We partnered with International Open University (IOU) to lead a comprehensive rebranding initiative, repositioning the institution as a bold, modern force in Islamic higher education. The goal was to elevate IOU’s global image, clarify its visual and verbal identity, and unify its growing presence under a distinct, future-ready brand system. From refining the iconic logo to developing a consistent visual language and activation tools, this rebrand marks a turning point in how IOU presents itself to the world: confident, contemporary, and committed to transforming the Ummah through accessible education.
Founded in 2001, International Open University (IOU) has pioneered online Islamic education globally. However, as it scaled, the institution’s identity felt fragmented—visually dated, inconsistent in application, and lacking the strength to carry its vision into the next chapter of growth. IOU needed a brand that would resonate with a global Muslim audience, inspire trust, and reflect the depth of its mission: “Changing the Ummah through Education.”
Challenge
Preserve IOU’s legacy while modernizing its brand identity.
Enhance visual clarity without losing the essence of its original mark.
Build a cohesive system that works across digital, print, merchandise, and global campuses.
Position IOU as a credible academic institution on par with international universities—yet distinctly Islamic in ethos.
Project results
Result
The new identity for IOU not only honors its Islamic foundation but boldly steps into the future—speaking to both tradition and transformation. Since the rebrand, IOU has strengthened its positioning as a serious academic institution, ready to shape the next generation of Muslim scholars and leader
