Storyland Studios, a global experience design and strategy firm, has been awarded a milestone contract with the University of California (UC), in collaboration with OMNIA Partners, the largest cooperative purchasing organisation for public sector procurement in the US.
With this cooperative agreement, Storyland can bring its unique approach to narrative-driven placemaking to the University of California system and public agencies across the country through OMNIA Partners.
Its scope reaches beyond digital marketing to include holistic destination development and placemaking, leveraging immersive storytelling to elevate education, navigation, and community engagement.
Shawn Stewart, VP of strategic storytelling at Storyland Studios, says: "This partnership signifies a powerful alignment of vision.
"We believe every campus, every public space, has a story to tell. Our mission is to use immersive design not merely as a tool, but as a language to deepen learning, create intuitive wayfinding, and foster a profound sense of place. We are moving beyond information delivery to creating emotional connection."
Digital ecosystems
The extensive agreement includes a wide range of creative services, such as:
- Destination development and placemaking. Theming, architectural storytelling, and environmental graphics that turn campuses and public facilities into unified, captivating narratives.
- Immersive digital experiences. Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) solutions aim to animate educational content and campus histories.
- Interactive storytelling. Digital installations and interactive exhibits that transform complex information into engaging, accessible experiences.
- Wayfinding and strategy. Intuitive navigation systems and master planning based on a clear, overarching story.
Joe Sibal, director of interactive design at Storyland Studios, says: "For decades, we’ve used interactive storytelling to immerse guests in new worlds.
"Applying this expertise to an academic institution of the University of California’s calibre, renowned for its excellence and innovation, is a thrilling opportunity.
"We’re not just building websites or apps; we’re crafting digital ecosystems that add depth and dimension to the student and visitor experience.”
Supporting mission-driven organisations
Storyland has a proven track record of designing for purpose-driven organisations, and views this agreement as an opportunity to apply its 'Cause and Commerce' philosophy in the public sector.
Sean Featonby, director of business development at Storyland Studios, says, "The opportunity to work with OMNIA Partners is a significant milestone. We are honored to join their network.
"This is more than a contract; it’s an invitation to support the mission of higher education and public organizations across the country. We are designing narrative-led experiences that have a positive, lasting impact, empowering students, staff, and visitors to become active participants in their community’s story."
Through this collaboration with OMNIA Partners, Storyland Studios has become a readily available resource for public agencies looking to enhance their physical and digital environments through storytelling.
Last month, Storyland Studios shared details of its collaboration with MSC Cruises and the MSC Foundation to design a new pavilion at the Marine Conservation Center on Ocean Cay in The Bahamas. This facility serves as a base for biologists, scientists, students, and island visitors, and features interactive pavilions, a lecture hall, a Bio Lab, and a land-based coral nursery.
