Deloitte, a major international accounting and consulting firm, engaged Downstream to design and build an interactive wall for its new training and meeting facility outside of Dallas. Deloitte required a unique and engaging means of communicating their culture and passion for leadership to guests and visitors. The Deloitte Connections Wall had its beginnings in the desire for a company timeline, but it soon became apparent that the Wall’s highly trafficked and high profile location called out for more creative messaging and a fresh approach.

Development

Following several comprehensive rounds of design development, Downstream was able to capture the goals for the interactives, and cement which messages to portray. We studied Deloitte’s brand strategy, surveyed projected users, and reviewed the available technology options. Finally, we provided recommendations, ideas, and a process for moving forward. Downstream designed a multi-touch, multi-user interactive media wall that is a knowledge space of the people, places, events and ideas that make Deloitte great.

Solution

The Connections Wall is 8196 x 3072 – almost 7.5 times greater than high definition 1080p. Backgrounds and assets were created to take full advantage of the large digital palate. A resource for information, the digital interactive platform provides a dynamic media canvas that invites users to explore the most current Deloitte brand strategy. They can dive into the history of the company; interact with a fully functional globe, view employee profiles and view messages from various staff members. The impressive form factor and rich interactive experience provide a deeper sense of Deloitte’s culture of leadership.

As part of Downstream’s decade long relationship with the Ducks, we collaborated with the University, AECOM and Thompson Vaivoda Architects, focusing on the brand and storytelling components of the Matthew Knight Arena. As part of the U of O’s strategy to compete at the highest levels, Downstream worked on this project from the fundraising efforts all the way through to the ribbon cutting. From sales environments, to websites to the arena itself, Downstream provided strategy and design services throughout.

Development

Downstream conducted an extensive discovery exercise and facilitated multiple design workshops culminating in the delivery of a brand and story master plan. This plan fueled and inspired thematic and design development for the project. From “Deep in the Woods” to the various brand and story treatments through the facility, Downstream contributed to what is now the best “basketball theatre” in the nation.

Solution

Utilizing the spark of the Matthew Knight “Anthem to the Fan” as inspiration, Downstream provided 2D, 3D and digital elements throughout the arena from “Deep in the Woods” on the court floor to hero graphics, concession signage and clubs. The result is an eye-popping 12,541 seat arena that is the newest jewel on the Oregon campus.

As a company that protects clients from virtual attacks, McAfee needed a way to make this intangible idea connect with physical reality in a way their clients could understand. McAfee chose Downstream to create a space that made their story real.

Development

As the project developed, we understood that McAfee doesn’t just provide security for their clients; they also seek to proactively educate clients, and prevent future attacks. Through workshops and collaboration with McAfee, we created an environment that engages the user from the moment of arrival to the moment of departure.

Solution

From artifacts within the space to the seating arrangements to the custom LED light wall, McAfee’s strengths were highlighted in every detail of the environment. The history of McAfee’s development is portrayed through a large interactive timeline in the lobby area. A lighted hallway tracks visitors, following their navigation to displays of real time attack data. The War Room allows McAfee to showcase their defense in action. At the 19-foot interactive Solutions Table, McAfee staff members can share documents, present keynotes and interact with other users. This table operates on an original operating system and program developed by Downstream LABS. The space as a whole reflects McAfee’s highly sophisticated and offensive attack-prevention system.

Development

Downstream conducted a two-day discovery workshop with Pyramis traders and brand managers. Pyramis wanted real-time data delivered in an exciting, sophisticated, and ultimately useful way. We studied the space plan and choreography of the various audiences at the Smithfield headquarters, and analyzed the vast amounts of data that needed to be displayed, including international clocks, real-time global market feeds, heat maps, and more.

Solution

Downstream’s design and technology solution were integrated into two large multi-screen displays that employed a variety of aesthetic and dynamic back-end elements to create a seamless experience. Our programmers used Omnivex screen sync integration software to pull data from constantly updating spreadsheets so that information is displayed in real time. Our motion design team created elegant brand transitions. Presenters can guide visitors through the information from an intuitive touchscreen panel. Downstream and Pyramis have created an impactful and informative environment that has elevated their brand both for employees and visitors.

Development

Downstream combined four conference rooms into one integrated meeting room armed with the latest in digital and conference table technology and design.  Additionally, Downstream created a showcase room where high level briefings and technical interaction can take place. These two rooms are branded and integrated with technology that allows Alcatel to showcase their brand and technology ideally.

Solution

The moment clients enter the briefing center they are greeted by Downstream’s design work both in the conference room and the show room. From the concept design to the integrated touch screens to the user flow, we delivered high quality work in a unique manner. This turn key solution allowed us to successfully complete our first European project within tight budget constraints and on an aggressive timeline, paving the way for future successes.

Throughout the last ten years Portland’s largest outdoor sports stadium has undergone several transformations. From name changes to major renovations in 2001, Jeld-Wen Field has become an increasingly active part of the city’s sports culture. When the Portland Timbers became a Major League Soccer (MLS) team in 2010, they wanted to capture the excitement of their new status with an updated pitch and branding to match.

Development
From the beginning of Downstream’s engagement with the Portland Timbers, one fact became clear—authenticity was the key to this project, and this sport. Building on the success of the grass roots network and passionate fan base, Downstream provided designs that reflected this homespun feel. With family-based Jeld-Wen as the title sponsor, the stadium didn’t just need signs, it needed designs that reflected this down to earth mentality.

Solution

In a unified effort with Ellerbe Becket and ICON Venue Group, Downstream delivered wayfinding, concessions and exterior signage, as well as a branding package. This branding fit the Timbers need for an authentic yet professional design, and  brought a cohesive feel to what could otherwise have been a disjointed collection of sponsor logos and directional messages. As the fireworks exploded over an ecstatic crowd at the opening game, we couldn’t have been more proud of our contribution to such a meaningful event for Portland’s sports culture.

Opportunity
As a company that addresses fundamental challenges in research, electronics, natural resources and life sciences, FEI needed to tell their story in a profound way. Beyond the trade show booth created for Microscopy and Microanalysis, they hoped for an enduring way to convey the importance of their work.

Development

To help Autodesk achieve their project goals, we designed the space as a showcase for examples of world-class design assisted by Autodesk products—focusing especially on the Bay Area. The display content had to engage visitors at different levels of interaction, from graphic design to media to digital interactives while maintaining a logical, compelling narrative. We developed a modular custom exhibit display solution that put the focus on the artifacts while providing a variety of immersive experiences. This helped maintain a consistency among the artifacts, each of which was almost a separate project. In fact, some artifacts posed issues of their own, like the Ford Mustang Shelby GT-500 production vehicle that had to be lifted in through a window.

Solution

Downstream conducted extensive research and study into each artifact’s origins and design process. Our team strategized the story and choreographed and fine-tuned the visitor path and user experience. We curated the exhibits, using the modular exhibit system to customize each display so that all of the stories were unique but maintained a consistent look and feel. The result of our collaboration with Autodesk is an immersive, interactive experience full of rich, dynamic content, and it is now open to the public.

The Florida Gators football program wanted to capitalize on their recent successes. Their new operations facility was being constructed adjacent to the football stadium, and the program wanted to fully brand the space to communicate more effectively with fans, athletes, and recruits. Downstream was engaged to develop graphics and displays that would extend the Gator brand into the built environment.

Development

After a discovery process, we developed graphic treatments, custom casework to display trophies and other artifacts, and interactives displaying original custom media. In the lobby, we developed huge wall graphics and designed a custom chandelier with iconic player images. Custom cases display national tournament and other trophies, and visitors can watch highlights on monitors in the cases. In the practice gym, applications on the wall replicate the floor of Florida’s appearances in the Final Four. Outside the coaches’s offices, a pair of interactive displays offers immersive experiences.

Solution

Downstream did extensive studies of both the football and basketball spaces and conducted multiple design explorations to find the right shapes and the optimal user experience for the interactive displays. For the interactive media in the football facility, the creative team at Downstream developed a distinctive rotoscoped video treatment. Idealized versions of football players move through an illustrated field as splatters of color merge and re-form. The effect expresses the Florida brand values of energy, grit, and determination.

 

These and other features have made Florida’s football and basketball facilities the ideal vehicle for improving recruiting and fan enthusiasm.