THE HOME DEPOT

Digging a major corporate newsroom out of its rut

Not long after The Home Depot launched its corporate news site, articles started feeling rote, lacking interactivity and visual engagement.

We helped turn that around, working on story development, writing, and prototyping in a number of multimedia formats aligned to the brand's editorial pillars.

Introducing interactivity

One format featured content mapped onto imagery – typically an illustration – that animated with user interaction. In this example, an illustration by Tommy Parker depicts 6 tips for sustainable gardening.

Tommy Parker illustration process:

Enhancing the expected

A perennial favorite, infographics had already made their mark on the newsroom. With this evolution, we introduced subtle motion design to literally keep the story moving.

Showing and telling

Many written stories were converted to explainer videos to shorten, simplify, or make topics more readily consumable. From cutting edge pannable 360° video, to 100% stock-footage specials, we drew on any technique that would engage viewers who pressed play.

Brightening and boldening

We elevated many stories by upgrading simple product or stock images into custom gifs, adding animation and color that provided needed personality.

Don’t keep the faucet running when you are brushing your teeth or washing dishes.

Install a drip irrigation system (and a smart irrigation timer) to limit the amount of water use.

Swap out your toilet, faucet or shower head with a WaterSense-certified replacement.

Upgrade your dishwasher or washing machine for EnergyStar-certified versions that are energy and water efficient.

Use mulch to help soil retain moisture.

Water plants in the morning or at night when the sun isn’t as intense, so the water absorbs more quickly.

FILE THIS UNDER:

⛏ Mining for Stories
Always-on
Crawl Walk Run

CREDITS:

Amanda Carroll, Editorial Strategist
Morgan Vines, Sr. Copywriter
Clare Davis, Copywriter
Chris Boyle, Sr. Art Director
Andrew Hu, Sr. Art Director
Craig Thomas, Sr. Producer
Illustration by Tommy Parker, or me sometimes.

MY ROLE:

Creative Lead, Design Director