Background
In late spring 2020, the Emmy Awards and ABC Television approached us with a challenge: Since the 2020 ceremony was going virtual due to COVID-19, they needed to provide remote media access to award winners in a way that replicated the usual backstage experience. A bespoke solution was required, as no plug-and-play platforms were on the market then.
Solution
Returning to my digital/UX roots, I rolled up my sleeves and designed the architecture for organizing, facilitating, and producing complex press-conference-style Q&As from scratch. Next, I tapped Scott Clay, a former colleague, and his creative tech agency, Addison Interactive, to tackle the programming while I handled the UX.
Results
From a standing start to an all-out sprint, we delivered in record time despite numerous unexpected pandemic-related issues. When the rubber hit the road, our Virtual Press Room rose to the challenge and facilitated over 120 seamless sessions connecting media outlets, journalists, and Emmy winners.
But wait, there’s more
Following the Emmys, I helped create Eventuall, a virtual platform featuring Conversation Control™, the one-of-a-kind virtual press room functionality I designed.
Thomas Edison, Eddie Van Halen, Hedy Lamarr… and me?!
That’s right: Like Tommy, Eddie, and Hedy, my name is on a US Patent for Conversation Control, which is based on my original UX for the Virtual Press Room.
Mock-up of an Eventuall session utilizing Conversation Control.
The TL;DR Insight