The THINK conference is the annual event held by IBM that is considered the premier hybrid cloud and AI industry event. Attendees to the conference network and learn about IBM’s latest technologies. For the Think event, Groove Jones was asked to create interactive digital experiences that the IBM executives and speakers could use during the event to highlight their world-changing technologies and bring them to life.
IBM Quantum System One Computer WebGL and AR Experience
The highlight of every event is the chance for attendees to see the latest and greatest IBM technologies. Faced with the challenge of creating an engaging experience for a virtual event, the IBM team looked to Groove Jones to bring their newest products, the IBM Quantum System One and the IBM Z Mainframe, to life.
The IBM Quantum System One is the world’s first-ever circuit-based commercial quantum computer. It is housed in a 9’ x 9’ x 9’ air-tight glass cube that maintains a controlled physical environment. Groove Jones created an interactive WebGL microsite so participants could engage and learn about the amazing computer system via a web browser on their desktop or mobile device.
Groove Jones needed to recreate the computer in amazing detail and visualize the components so they looked as real as possible.
Users could tap along the bottom navigation bar to learn more about the features and capabilities. The story was told through animated motion graphics and zooming into the glass container for a closer look.
By activating a camera-enabled mobile device, they could then drop a digital 9’ x 9’ x 9’ airtight glass cube wherever they are, walk around, and interact with the quantum computer!
Imagine having the world-famous IBM Quantum chandelier in your office or seeing it while strolling through a park. This is not your typical IBM experience.
IBM Z WebGL and AR Experience
The IBM Z Mainframe also received an interactive WebGL and AR treatment. Participants could now get a virtual, hands-on session with the newest model, the IBM z15.
Users can add up to 4 mainframes to get a good idea of size. The WebGL and camera-enabled AR experience allowed the user to open up compartments and see inside.
The WebGL experience allows users to view the IBM Z Mainframe from any position.
Place an IBM Z Mainframe in your lobby just because you can. How is that for flexing?
All three experiences were promoted on the site during the event and through IBM’s social channels. Users could access the experiences through direct links and QR codes.
THINK Event Teaser Direct Mail Campaign, Interactive WebGL, and AR Experiences
Thomas J. Watson first used the “THINK” slogan in December 1911, and it has been a cornerstone of IBM’s products that continue today. The word THINK is used throughout the traditional in-person event and is often represented as a larger-than-life structure. Since the THINK event was virtual this year, the team wanted to kick things off by sending out a THINK collectible to key influencers and IBMers before the event. The IBM team created a physical THINK “cube” that was also used in all the event videos and visuals.
Making it Social – Think WebGL and AR Experiences.
Along with the direct mail piece, an interactive AR experience was created for IBMers to engage with and create their own socially shareable “THINK” moments leading up to the event.
Users were instructed to rotate and explore the digital “THINK” cube and tap each letter. With every tap, a user would change the colors reflected on the cube. They would also be inspired by mixing their own “THINK” soundtrack with a custom composition by Grammy Award-winning artist Imogen Heap.
As you can see, people were having fun creating their own personalized “THINK” moment. It went worldwide.
The desktop version worked just like the mobile version; however, it was not camera-enabled.
Award-Winning Production
Vega Digital Awards
CANOPUS
Category: VR & 360 Video (Single) – Best Use of AR
Awwards Site of the Day
HONORS
Category: Site of the Day
Awwwards Site of the Day
MOBILE EXCELLENCE
Category: Mobile Excellence
Addy Awards – AAF Dallas
GOLD
Category: Digital Creative Technology – Augmented Reality
Muse Creative Awards
PLATINUM
Category: Experiential & Immersive – Augmented Reality
Communicator Awards
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Category: Immersive & Experiential-Augmented Reality for Virtual & Remote