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## The role of meaningful typography and visuals in interactive storytelling
 
![History told through digital experience_ Image.png](https://rhapsody.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/a1ad684568a25bf294af8f4ec9113233.png)

Talking about historical and political topics in an interesting and engaging way is not easy. You need to tackle many challenges, balance different points of view and – in many cases – work with a range of historical sources. That’s not mentioning the marketing objectives you need to meet. How do you reconcile both sides and create a project that captures the attention of your audience? Read how Rhapsody took on a challenge of this kind with a project telling the story of Holocaust victims.

## How to talk about history in a modern way

The world is constantly changing and so are the ways knowledge and information are disseminated. That includes historical information. In present-day museums it is no longer necessary to look at exhibits behind glass and to read lengthy descriptions. Instead, multimedia presentations, interactive stations, 3D historical films and many other new technological solutions are increasingly being used. 

Museums are becoming modern facilities that take you back in time and allow you to engage with history using all your senses. Can similar methods also be applied to digital projects? Of course they can! 

The [Ordinary Objects Extraordinary Journeys ](https://www.rhapsodymedia.com/our-work/ordinary-objects-extraordinary-journeys)interactive website – which we created to tell the story of the murdering of Jews during World War Two – is a case in point. It illustrates how close collaboration with a client, understanding history and immersive visuals help bring even the most sensitive topics closer to modern audiences. 

![History told through digital experience_ Image-1.png](https://rhapsody.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/6c0ccb7f5d0b1a3f2687d6ecb602a90b.png)

Telling the story of World War II atrocities is not easy. It requires sensitivity, empathy and the right approach.  While working on the Ordinary Objects Extraordinary Journeys project, our team spent countless hours liaising with the client. This was partly because of the delicate nature of the topic, but also due to the need for historical consultation and a deep understanding of the history of the Holocaust.


## Finding the right balance for visual storytelling

Working with artefacts from the cooperating museums was a very nuanced process. It had a huge impact on the creative direction, but also on the overall concept and storytelling, which needed to be well crafted for the subject in question.

Our aim was to create engaging, immersive experiences which would take the viewer back to that era and give them an understanding of the daily realities of the Holocaust.

It was a big challenge: not only did we have to tell the right story and find the proper words, but we also needed to strike the right balance with the imagery. The visuals had to evoke the spirit and style of the time, all while being fresh and attractive enough to appeal to the modern viewer.

At the same time, the graphics could not be too bold in order to respect the seriousness of the story and the traumatic experiences of the protagonists.

“Rhapsody blew me away right from the moment we met them when they pitched to us, notably how they managed to make a wide variety of websites with different subject matters engaging, immersive and inclusive. It was incredible seeing our ideas for the project not just brought to life, but enhanced, strengthened and advanced by Rhapsody. We are so thrilled with the final result, and are confident the website will achieve our goals: to engage people with Holocaust education, through artefacts, and to increase knowledge and awareness of the Holocaust. We are already planning on adding more artefacts to the website and look forward to continuing our relationship with Rhapsody – if they can put up with us again!”
**Dr Rachel Century – Director of Public Engagement and Deputy Chief Executive | Holocaust Memorial Day Trust**

## Creating an experience that takes you back in time

![History told through digital experience_ Image-2.png](https://rhapsody.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/f6373e9a2cc0813cd3df8b6f42aece07.png)

The stories of the Jewish victims of World War Two are showcased on the website in three thematic blocks:  PEOPLE – OBJECT – JOURNEY.

We wanted to capture the art of storytelling and relate the events that took place in the past in such a way as to transport the viewer. Usually, they only hear about this part of history through school lessons and TV. Using 3D objects and multisensory design, we aimed to create something special and to establish a new type of narrative.   Our work was centred around the website’s aesthetic elements including not only precisely chosen typography, but also navigation buttons and other functional elements. We wanted it to be a “window to the past”. 

In the first part – **PEOPLE** – we begin the story by exploring the biographies of individual characters. It is not a gloomy, overwhelming and lengthy story. We have used simple, approachable language that allows us to delve into the personal threads of the characters’ lives while not creating unnecessary distance from the characters. The text is short, but informative and interesting. It gives us a better understanding of the problems faced by our protagonists, as well as their motivations, needs and emotions. 

In the **SUBJECT** section, the viewer is immersed in the world of everyday objects that accompanied the characters. We see pre-war chess pieces, children’s knitted socks, personal diaries and documents. These seemingly ordinary objects reflect the traumatic nature of the individual experiences and allow us to better understand the daily life of the characters. 

**JOURNEY**, on the other hand, is an interactive way to understand the journeys that Jews were forced to make during the war. A multimedia map allows visitors to learn the routes they took and the hardships they had to endure. The website was designed to make visitors feel that they were actually taking part in a journey through newly presented pages of history.

“When we and HMDT agreed to do a collections-based project together, we wanted to ensure it was in the service of telling the stories of some lesser-known survivors of the Holocaust. Some of the objects seem mundane. Some seem beautiful. But all are priceless in what they tell us about the annihilation of normal Jewish family life right across Europe. There is a common misperception that the Holocaust just took place in Germany (and maybe Poland). This exhibition tells four stories spanning Greece, France, Austria, Germany, Poland, England and Scotland”. **Marc Cave, Director of The National Holocaust Centre and Museum**

## Finding the right font that will make a difference

Philosopher Marshall McLuhan once famously said that “the medium is a message.” This thought can be applied to our approach: carefully selected typography plays a very important role. Our choices were far from being accidental, allowing for an immersive experience.  
Given that the project told the story of Jews living in European cities, we decided to use fonts that had a cultural reference to the region and its history. 

## Typography project ideas to make content more engaging

![4. RC_OOEJ_Typography-Marketing (2)-min.png](https://rhapsody.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/eb60e788594254a09c051517a5c1a68e.png)

The first of these, Pion, was chosen for its origins (it was designed by a Polish type foundry) and its expressive nature. It allowed the designers to draw the viewer’s attention to what was most essential in the story. It emphasised the seriousness of the events, gave it a distinguished character and made it more readable – which is of vital importance, especially in a digital project. 
We also added a personalised ‘O’ to the font, to give the whole thing a creative touch.

![4.-RC_OOEJ_Typography-Marketing-5-min-2048x1015.png](https://rhapsody.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/b4bfc6e4dcaa183ed57a2ced9c2cfb76.png)

“Nocturn”, the second of the selected fonts, was created by Polish typography creator Mateusz Michalski. It draws on the letters of stone plaques commemorating the victims of the Second World War in Warsaw and pre-war Hebrew signs.

## Allowing history to resonate through engaging content and carefully selected typography

A creative approach that understands history and works with sources and clients is always a good starting point.  But if you support these elements with interesting visuals and interactive storytelling, the chances of success are even greater. It’s crucial to find the golden ratio between historical truth and modern narrative forms.

Let the story speak through polished typography, immersive graphics and an interactive experience. It’s a language that modern audiences understand and visitors expect, be it in traditional museums and in their digital, more modern versions.

Let us tell your story

**Do you want to share an important story with your audience? Trust Rhapsody**
If you are tackling a project of this type, you don’t have to do it alone. [Share your knowledge](https://www.rhapsodymedia.com/contact-us) with our experts, introduce them to the historical details in question and let them take action. 
Thanks to our large amounts of experience with commercial and public clients, we’re able to adapt to a wide range of subject areas and target audiences

History told through a digital experience

## An innovative live-streaming platform to connect brands, content creators and customers

**How do you bridge the gap between brands, video content creators and online shoppers to enhance the selling/buying experience? Live-streaming technology may be the answer. In fact, our client Divid has devised an innovative e-commerce solution for that very purpose. Its app and live-streaming platform enable shoppers to buy products and watch videos in a seamless manner.**

Divid tasked Rhapsody with finding the best visual solution to explain the benefits of its product. The solution needed to show a customer's journey and the interaction between them, brands and content creators. We therefore set out to create videos that would appeal to our client's wide and varied target group while being consistent with the Divid brand identity.

![A picture showing fashion and beauty products on the black background.](https://rhapsody.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/78a15119867ac64c5a2d68a735192b73.png)
### Getting to know Divid’s live commerce product
Tapping into a market need for new online shopping solutions, [our client Divid](https://www.rhapsodymedia.com/our-work/divid) has created a unique live-streaming platform to connect brands, content creators and customers. 
1. **Brands** can use the platform to join the influencer marketing space and attract new online shoppers. 
2. **Content creators** can use it to increase viewer engagement, improve their visibility and earn money. 
3. Finally, the platform enables **customers** to explore products or services in real time and make an informed decision about them. 

Divid's technology module includes two products:

- CPA: a **SaaS mobile application** where video bloggers can receive an offer from a brand, then shoot a video or conduct a live stream featuring one or more of the brand’s products. Bloggers invite their audience to Divid’s webpage or mobile application so that they can purchase goods in a few clicks while watching the live stream.

- **Live commerce**: a platform for brands to reach out to content creators with promotional opportunities. Creators can use it to post their own video or live stream to enhance the customer’s experience.

- Divid’s **live-streaming** products improve the online selling/shopping experience and the interactions between its users. However, how do you effectively transmit this message to a broad and diverse audience?

## Creating a video campaign to successfully explain the client’s product

Rhapsody proposed to create videos that describe the client's product offering through storytelling. The videos set out to show the advantages of Divid's live-streaming platform and how it can change the user experience, for example:

**Consumers** stay engaged during a live-streaming showcase without having to leave the video while they shop.

**Video content creators** gain the audience’s engagement and a commission from each sale, plus they have an opportunity to work directly with global brands.

**Brands** gain an innovative, interactive sales channel with high conversions. Plus, they get to sell their products through social networks and content creators without the need for intermediaries.

The videos had to be in formats suitable for use:
- On the client’s website and social media pages,
- In paid social media campaigns,
- In presentations during webinars, conferences, trade fairs, sales calls etc.
We therefore produced longer videos aimed at brands and content creators, and shorter videos for social media.

### Video tells a story that appeals to a diverse target audience

Divid’s product is aimed at brands, content creators and customers in Europe, the UK and Turkey. Rhapsody had to take this broad target audience into account when coming up with a solution. Using video was an obvious choice: it can be an excellent channel to transmit a message to an international audience and provides a wide variety of creative storytelling options. There was another reason for using video: telling the product’s story through dynamical visuals fits perfectly with Divid’s image as a brand that delivers a modern e-commerce solution. 

### What are the benefits of using a video in a creative campaign? 
Controlled **storytelling**. You can methodically set the pace and structure the narrative, making it simple to deliver a focused message. As a result, you’ll provide the audience with an enjoyable experience.

**Visuals**. You can use elements such as colour, data visualisation, kinetic text, animation or live-action to convey your message in a powerful or evocative way.

**Audio**. Music, voiceovers and sound effects can help you communicate tone and emotion. This can help increase your audience's emotional response.

## A comprehensive approach to creative video production

This project required Rhapsody to adopt a holistic approach as we had to handle all the stages of production:

- **Pre-production**, including concepts, scripts, castings and locations setting.
- **Production** – a one-day shoot.
- **Post-production**, including choosing the best footage, editing, preparing an animatic version of the videos, colour grading etc.
Let’s dive deeper into the specific stages.

### The pre-production stage: from the concept and scripts, through to casting and set locations

We started the project by defining our client’s needs. We asked Divid for inspiration, preferences and expectations. This stage required regular communication with the client, often via Slack and calls. We then worked through the information, brainstorming and developing several concepts for a video campaign. Once the client had accepted one of the concepts, Rhapsody’s team got to work to create the moodboards, storyboards and scripts.

![Putting make up on a model in the photo studio.](https://rhapsody.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/22749f4c3e86a0f3af86e97a55286c71.png)

### Working on video scripts
A dedicated copywriter created scripts for the videos. They focused on creating stories that would:

- Convey the benefits of Divid's platform.
- Be consistent with the image of the brand, i.e. one that provides an innovative and easy-to-use tool.

To achieve these goals, we created two scripts which presented simplified customer journeys from the perspective of the brand and content creators respectively. The stories showed how a merchant could use our client's technology to increase sales, and how content creators can leverage the platform to gain more subscribers and earn money. In addition to highlighting the benefits of Divid’s platform, we also showed viewers that it is easy and fun to use.

### Organising a one-day shoot

Then, we organised the one-day shoot. Preparations included:
- Casting and hiring two actors via a model agency. The casting took place at Rhapsody’s studio. We took care of all the formalities, such as contracts.
- Hiring a stylist, makeup artist and hairstylist.
- Creating the packshots for the products featured in the videos.
All this work required close cooperation with our client – who participated in the casting and the [video shoot](https://www.rhapsodymedia.com/production/photography) – as well as with the [photography](https://www.rhapsodymedia.com/production/photography) and video team.

### The production stage: shooting a series of videos in one day
We were faced with an important challenge: we had just one day for the shoot. The key to success was to get everything right in the pre-production stage. By preparing in detail and working closely with a team of professionals, we were able to complete the shoot within the allotted time. In one day, we managed to shoot two main videos – one targeting brands and the other content creators – as well as four short videos for social media.

### The post-production stage: crafting outstanding videos
The post-production stage is when the video really comes to life. It is a complex process, but with the right skills and experience, the post-production team will successfully turn raw footage into engaging, cohesive content that delivers the right message. This stage included:

- Going through the footage to choose the best takes. We invited our client to participate in this process.
- Preparing an animatic version before working on the final versions of the videos.
- Working on the animated/motion design parts.
- Making sure all the components of a video – including music, visuals and any copy or speech – were aligned. For Divid, contemporary music with a strong beat served to set the pace and give the videos a dynamic identity.
- Making the final edit with high-resolution frames.
Rhapsody's creative department ensured that the videos felt vibrant and authentic in line with our client’s message.

## An eye-catching video attracts audiences and answers clients' needs

Year after year, video remains a clear winner as the most engaging form of content. When done right, video content serves both the audience and brands. A well-thought-out video is therefore the best possible marketing tool brands can use and is well worth the investment, especially for a launch. 

![A group of people including both agency staff and models standing together in the photo studio .](https://rhapsody.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/f504b8981b52e69c38809295b6d581f4.png)

**Divid’s campaign proves it is possible to communicate a lot of information to a highly diverse audience. The trick is to get your message across simply and clearly. This will only work if you find the right angle and a style that appeals to the target groups while being in line with the brand's identity. This is why Rhapsody always examines the needs of the target group first: our findings will be the basis for creating an appealing storyline that we’ll then tell using cutting-edge tools and technology. If you are looking for a reliable partner who will work on your project with a great deal of care and deliver outstanding results, [contact Rhapsody](https://www.rhapsodymedia.com/contact-us).**

Adam Pietrzyk