Digital storytelling has been all the rage, particularly in higher education over the past few years. Different people define the term different ways, but if its new to you, rest assured its exactly what it sounds like. Telling a story through digital means to humanize an idea - to build empathy and understanding.
I mentioned that the concept of digital storytelling has been a hot topic in HigherEd, but that doesnt mean that the corporate world has failed to take notice. We've all seen examples (whether we realize it or not), some of which have been more successful than others. But I just came across one of the coolest implementations of corporate digital storytelling I've ever seen - and I had to pass it on. Brace yourself though, its a little abstract. And it might just rock your world.
As you'll no doubt notice, this is not an English site, so if you require a bit of a walk through, click on the giant snowflake looking thing, and make sure you're speakers are on. Each of the little flying pods that follow represent a piece of furniture (which will appear in the top right when you roll over it). But more importantly, each of the pods represent a story. A story of inspiration. Of design. Of challenge. Of achievement. And each one is absolutely amazing. Most of the stories are actually delivered in English with Swedish (I think) subtitles, though there is at least one in Japaneses. But I'm not even sure language matters. I strongly encourage all of you to click around for a few minutes and explore ("tillbaka" is the back button that will return you to the main menu after each story).
For anyone out there who doesnt understand what digital storytelling means, or why this site is important, follow one more link for me. A link to the far more sterile, United States version of Ikea's site. How terribly sad, boring, and impersonal.
I could care less about furniture and I actively hate shopping. And yet I just spent the last 15 minutes on a Swedish site, totally enthralled (and whats more, ready to whip out my credit card on a moment's notice). Because for the last 15 minutes, it wasnt about shopping or furniture. It wasnt even about language or culture. Ikea was able to transcended all that and create an experience. An experience based on connecting people, and I for one loved every second of it.
Well done and absolutely brilliant, Ikea. This is how you change the game. And the possibilities are endless.
Thanks @ adverblog.com for the tip on this.
I mentioned that the concept of digital storytelling has been a hot topic in HigherEd, but that doesnt mean that the corporate world has failed to take notice. We've all seen examples (whether we realize it or not), some of which have been more successful than others. But I just came across one of the coolest implementations of corporate digital storytelling I've ever seen - and I had to pass it on. Brace yourself though, its a little abstract. And it might just rock your world.
As you'll no doubt notice, this is not an English site, so if you require a bit of a walk through, click on the giant snowflake looking thing, and make sure you're speakers are on. Each of the little flying pods that follow represent a piece of furniture (which will appear in the top right when you roll over it). But more importantly, each of the pods represent a story. A story of inspiration. Of design. Of challenge. Of achievement. And each one is absolutely amazing. Most of the stories are actually delivered in English with Swedish (I think) subtitles, though there is at least one in Japaneses. But I'm not even sure language matters. I strongly encourage all of you to click around for a few minutes and explore ("tillbaka" is the back button that will return you to the main menu after each story).For anyone out there who doesnt understand what digital storytelling means, or why this site is important, follow one more link for me. A link to the far more sterile, United States version of Ikea's site. How terribly sad, boring, and impersonal.
I could care less about furniture and I actively hate shopping. And yet I just spent the last 15 minutes on a Swedish site, totally enthralled (and whats more, ready to whip out my credit card on a moment's notice). Because for the last 15 minutes, it wasnt about shopping or furniture. It wasnt even about language or culture. Ikea was able to transcended all that and create an experience. An experience based on connecting people, and I for one loved every second of it.
Well done and absolutely brilliant, Ikea. This is how you change the game. And the possibilities are endless.
Thanks @ adverblog.com for the tip on this.
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