Nominatedfor"emotionAward2020":OurDirectorofInteractiveStorytellingHannahJohnson
Photo Credit: BVDW by Maxi Uellendahl
The Cannes Lions selected Hannah in 2017 as one of the Top 15 “Future Female Leaders” worldwide. In 2018, she was named one of the “35 Creatives Under 35” by HORIZONT. Today, she works as Director of Interactive Storytelling at Demodern, the experts in Creative Technologies. Hannah loves to share her fascination and passion for technologies and to inspire others. Furthermore, she is passionately committed to diversity and women empowerment in the industry, inspiring her audiences both nationally and internationally, including at events in London, Amsterdam, and Pakistan. Due to her dedication, Hannah has now been nominated for the "emotion Award 2020" by the Hamburg-based magazine of the same name in the category "Women in Leadership." Let yourself be convinced by her and vote for her at https://www.emotion.de/award-2020
Brief description of your work and what makes it special
I work as Director of Interactive Storytelling for Demodern, a company specialized in Creative Technologies. What makes this job so special? Well, there is basically only one person with this job title in Germany. And the last time I checked, that was even the case worldwide. Why is that? Because it involves facing a unique and cutting-edge challenge: My job is about using the newest and least explored technologies - like AR and VR, interactive films, installations, or immersive exhibitions - to tell great stories. As a result, these technologies suddenly feel extraordinarily emotional, engaging, lovable, and human. My work revolves around human emotions. When we extract everything possible from innovative technologies, they seem like magic. For me, this is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Because technology only feels human when we learn to trust and embrace it. And thus, it can realize its full potential.
Do you have a motto that guides you in your professional and private life? If so, what is it?
Every “no” got me further than any “yes”.
Why do you do what you do? What inspires and drives you?
There is nothing more beautiful than exploring new things, pushing boundaries, and inspiring other people. And it is always so exciting when you can see the expression of their enthusiasm in people's eyes. When you notice that a new idea or experience has touched them. Inspiration is very easy to spread. What was your happiest moment related to your project?
For an entire year, I worked with a fantastic team of over 60 Creative Technologists, experts, and designers on developing an interactive permanent exhibition that explores the hidden areas of the Port of Hamburg: the Discovery Dock. When Hamburg's Mayor Peter Tschentscher officially opened the exhibition, it was both exciting and amazing to see the reactions the installations evoked in visitors. There was joyful unloading of container ships in Virtual Reality. Or playful interactions with the animals of the Elbe in a virtual aquarium. But it wasn't just the visitors who were happy: It was a pivotal moment for the entire team! Finally seeing that all the hard work and passion put into this unique project had paid off. And that feels incredibly good for everyone involved.