How IBM is shaping the future of data storytelling

Insights
Explore how IBM redefines data storytelling by transforming complex insights into captivating visual narratives. Discover how branded partnerships and no-code innovations are driving transformative results.
23th January 2025
2 mins read
Ying Xuan Ling
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IBM has long led technological innovation, setting benchmarks in artificial intelligence, data science, and digital storytelling. Through partnerships with leading publishers, they’ve crafted dynamic, interactive experiences that transform data into stories that inspire action and inform business decisions.

At HLabs, we’re inspired by IBM’s vision to make data accessible to everyone — not just specialists. In today’s data-driven world, the challenge isn’t gathering information but turning it into meaningful insights. This mission aligns perfectly with our passion for blending data with design to create intuitive, interactive stories.

Let’s explore IBM’s transformative experiences, showcasing how data drives understanding, innovation, and progress.

IBM's journey with interactive storytelling content

IBM’s foray into interactive storytelling began with the transformation of their 2011 annual report. What was once a static document evolved into a dynamic magazine experience in both English and Japanese, setting a new benchmark for corporate storytelling.

Using an early version of Ceros that relied on Flash, IBM turned static layouts into interactive content, laying the foundation for future innovations in data storytelling. Over the years, they have continued to push creative boundaries by integrating animated illustrations, custom microsites, and other innovations—making complex data accessible, engaging, and visually compelling for diverse audiences.

Case Studies: IBM's Data Storytelling

  • The Economist Microsite: A New Generation of AI Pioneers, IBM’s microsite featured on The Economist, used commissioned illustrations, animations, and Rive, a new technology for animations, alongside VEV, a no-code platform for seamless responsiveness. Every animation was thoughtfully designed to support IBM’s narrative, making a technical topic accessible and visually engaging. This interactive platform allowed IBM to showcase its data in a visually rich environment, making complex insights more accessible and engaging for their audience.

  • Wired Interactive Report: The Delicate Art of Constructing a Powerful Foundation Model is an interactive report on Wired sponsored by IBM, where animated illustrations are incorporated to create a seamless user experience in Ceros to ultimately embed it into Wired's CoPilot CMS. This project is an example of how interactive, storytelling-driven experiences can be made to make data not only understandable but memorable.

A future-focused collaboration 

IBM’s innovation stories, showcased through branded partnerships with The Economist and Wired, highlight the possibilities of digital storytelling. These projects reflect a shared commitment to bold creativity, adaptability, and the power of technology to amplify meaningful ideas.

As IBM continues to explore new frontiers, we at HLabs remain inspired by their journey. Witnessing the transformation of data into stories that drive results fuels our passion for pushing creative boundaries.

Inspired by Innovation

At HLabs, we thrive on collaborating with organisations that challenge us to redefine creativity and technology. Whether you’re a global enterprise, an emerging start-up, or somewhere in between, we are passionate about crafting digital experiences that inspire, inform, and connect with your audience.

As experts in interactive storytelling, we excel at transforming complex data into compelling visual narratives. If you’re seeking a creative partner for your next visionary project, we’d love to connect. Together, let’s build innovative solutions that stand out and leave a lasting impact.

Ready to transform your storytelling with dynamic digital experiences?

We specialise in turning complex ideas and data into immersive digital experiences no-code expertise. Whether you’re a global enterprise or a bold startup, let’s collaborate to create impactful stories that inspire and deliver results.