Immersive, Interactive Experiences
Transforming D&I Conversations with Immersive Storytelling
Transforming D&I Conversations with Immersive Storytelling
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Unconscious bias
- VR experiences
Case Study: Using Virtual Reality to Drive Empathy and Change at EY
EY, the global leader in professional services, sought to deepen their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (D&I). EY wanted to create a powerful experience for their senior leadership team, deepening their understanding of the unique challenges faced by underrepresented groups.
Although EY regularly uses stories and case studies to communicate its values, they wanted a more immersive approach to highlight the realities of navigating the recruitment process as a minority candidate.
The VR approach enhanced EY’s reputation as an innovative, forward-thinking organisation dedicated to equity and inclusion, receiving positive feedback industry-wide.
Creating Empathy and Understanding Through Immersive D&I Experiences
A senior D&I leader at EY wanted to go a step further than using video content- by leveraging Virtual Reality (VR) to immerse leaders in the journey of a young Black man navigating EY’s recruitment process.
The objective was to provide senior leaders with a visceral understanding of the candidate experience and to foster a culture of empathy and change across the organisation.
In order for the experience to be perceived as authentic, we consulted with a group of young black men, involving them throughout the pre production/production process.
This allowed us to define the characters, the script and the overarching story. The narrative focused on a young Black man navigating EY’s recruitment process.
Building an Immersive VR Experience with Empathy and Realism
We created a character with a rich backstory to capture the challenges, aspirations, and emotional journey of an underrepresented candidate. This detailed characterisation enabled viewers to experience the recruitment process through his eyes, connecting deeply with his journey.
Using Unreal Engine, we ensured that the VR environment felt as realistic as possible. Attention to detail in the surroundings, interactions, and sensory elements allowed senior leaders to experience not only what the candidate saw but also to feel the subtle emotional cues in each stage of his journey.
The 6-minute experience included immersive visuals, audio, and scenario-based interactions that brought a fully immersive experience to life in the most vivid way possible.
Increased Empathy, Understanding, and Cultural Change
As leaders ‘walked through’ the various virtual scenarios, they encountered subtle biases and challenges faced by the character. The emotional depth brought several leaders to tears, changing perspectives and understanding about the wider need for a deeper appreciation towards D&I.
The experience increased empathy and created an intense, memorable connection to the character’s journey.
The impact of this campaign caused a ripple effect across the organisation, Influencing other D&I initiatives and broader cultural attitudes.
This campaign established a framework for integrating immersive storytelling into D&I training, making conversations around diversity more accessible and progressive.
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