Rise of the Guardians
Studio
Ignition Interactive
Type
YouTube Experience
Client/Partner
Dreamworks Animation
Role
UX/UI • Motion • Development
Featured on Behance.net
Featured on R/GA
Overview
Creating an immersive interactive world for a global entertainment franchise
Rise of the Guardians was an immersive digital experience designed to bring DreamWorks Animation's characters and universe to life through interactive storytelling, animation, and playful exploration. The goal was to create an engaging online destination that extended the film experience beyond the theater and encouraged audiences to discover more about the characters and world.
The experience resonated with audiences globally, generating more than 13 million views and demonstrating the power of interactive storytelling as a way to deepen fan engagement.
My Role
Bringing characters and stories to life through interaction
I contributed to the design, animation, and interactive experience as the primary developer, creating engaging moments that blended storytelling, motion, and exploration. Working within the technical constraints of Flash and YouTube at the time, I helped craft an experience that felt immersive, responsive, and true to the spirit of the film.
Design Approach
Designing moments of discovery and delight
The experience focused on creating a sense of exploration, allowing users to interact with the world and learn more about the characters through animation, visual storytelling, and playful interactions. Every element was designed to reward curiosity and make the audience feel like they were stepping further into the universe of Rise of the Guardians.
TEAM CREDITS
Creative Direction
Evan DeHaven
Art Direction
Nick Boes • Alvin Groen
UX/UI
Matt Webster • Alvin Groen
Production
Jessica Amen
Copywriting
Spencer Donald
Development
Matt Webster
Motion
Matt Webster