Introduction

At Seymourpowell, we've had the privilege of partnering with ServiceNow, a leading SaaS company renowned for its cloud-based ITSM services, since 2019. Through our integrated, holistic design approach, we've significantly contributed to ServiceNow’s expansion, supporting their multi-million dollar revenue growth. This year, our collaboration reached new heights at Knowledge 24 with an generative AI-powered, immersive experience for the new RiseUp initiative.

About ServiceNow and RiseUp

ServiceNow’s platform is pivotal in helping global companies manage digital workflows, thereby enhancing operational efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness. Recognising the escalating demand for skilled professionals in digital technologies, the company launched the RiseUp program in 2023. This visionary strategy aims to skill one million people on their platform throughout 2024, fostering an economy of in-demand, job-ready talent and offering accelerated career paths within the ServiceNow ecosystem.

The Challenge

For Knowledge 24, ServiceNow’s premier annual event that convenes professionals, experts, and enthusiasts from various industries, we were entrusted with creating a captivating, AI-driven exhibition experience. The objective was to inspire and empower individuals, employers, and partners, motivating them to embark on their own individual RiseUp journey.

Our Approach

Concept and Design

Inspired by the potential of generative AI and the global intrigue surrounding this technology, we created an immersive experience that blended hardware and software. The experience was designed to help visitors envision their future careers through a curated, interactive journey.

 

Immersive Experience

Visitors engaged with a bespoke hardware interface, participating in a diagnostic test that drew inspiration from learning type assessments. This quiz asked a series of interpersonal questions about their ambitions, learning characteristics, and aptitudes. Leveraging these insights, the AI generated an archetype using smart prompts. This process culminated in the creation of unique visual avatars that were then displayed large digital animated video walls.

 

Learning Archetypes

We identified several distinct learning archetypes to guide the AI-generated avatars:

The Path Maker

The Analyst

The Vanguard

The Advocate

The Creative

The Visionary

Each archetype was visually represented through AI-generated artwork, creatively directed by user input and styled with colour, form, and shape reflective of the individual’s inputs.

 

Spatial Design

The RiseUp immersive experience was meticulously integrated within the broader context of the Knowledge 24 event, spanning across six interconnected areas. Our design ensured that the RiseUp zone complemented neighbouring spaces, maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout the exhibition. The central haven space, surrounded by digital video walls displaying the avatars, provided a bright, optimistic, and inviting atmosphere amidst the bustling expo floor.

 

Visual and Interactive Elements

The interactive experience was enhanced by a bespoke controller with tactile controls, making AI more accessible and empowering users to take control of their future career. The overarching goal was to demystify AI, rendering it tangible and approachable. By providing hands-on experiences, we sought to educate and inspire curiosity about AI’s applications, helping visitors comprehend its potential impact on their future path in the work environment.

 

Totemic Takeaway

Each visitor received a printed version of their avatar. This personalised memento served as a reminder of their engagement with the RiseUp experience and their unique learning archetype. The takeaway was not only a keep sake but also a conversation starter, encouraging further discussion and interest in the RiseUp program long after the event.

 

UX Design Decisions

Our UX design strategy was heavily influenced by the proven engagement and stickiness of personality-based assessments. These are highly engaging because they offer personalised insights that resonate deeply with users. We adopted this approach to create a highly sticky engagement experience. The quiz not only provided valuable self-discovery, but also seamlessly integrated into the interactive AI-driven experience, ensuring sustained visitor interest and engagement.

Outcome

The immersive experience was a phenomenal success:

• Over 2,000 interactions, engaging more than 10% of the total event attendees.

• The RiseUp Gen AI experience was the most visually captivating and technologically advanced experience at Knowledge 24, becoming the event's highlight.

• The immersive experience drove a substantial number of sign-ups for the RiseUp program, surpassing KPI expectations.

Final Thoughts

Collaborating with ServiceNow on the RiseUp experience was an extraordinary journey that pushed the boundaries of physical event experiences powered by generative AI. This project exemplifies the transformational power of innovative design and visionary creativity, showcasing what’s possible when technology and design converge.

We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to support ServiceNow’s visionary RiseUp team and eagerly anticipate future projects that will continue to innovate and inspire.

Impact