IDEAS, a leading brand and experience design company, has announced the appointment of industry veteran Michael Yager to the role of executive vice president and director of design, to support the firm’s growing worldwide practice.
Yager, a former co-owner of MY Design, Inc., is an expert in experiential design. He has worked with Fortune 100 organisations including The Walt Disney Company, Boeing Commercial Airplane, and The Coca-Cola Company as well as leading museums and theme parks around the world.
His specialities include developing exhibits and creating immersive entertainment. In a highly competitive and dynamic industry, Yager’s work integrates the complete spectrum of technology, including augmented reality, virtual reality, and projection mapping, to provide innovative and sustainable show concepts.
“Exceptional design talent and innovative thinking”
One key example is the nationwide HALO: Outpost Discovery tour, launched by Herschend Enterprises in collaboration with Microsoft’s 343 Industries. Yager served as the creative director for this project, and he incorporated both conventional and cutting-edge immersive experiences in the attraction.
Yager has previously worked for Walt Disney Imagineering and also co-founded MY Design, Inc., a business that specialised in the creation and integration of the creative and technical aspects of immersive and interactive design. The company specialised in providing one-of-a-kind experiences, complete production and installation of specialist interactives, as well as audio, video, and control systems.
Bob Allen, IDEAS founder and chief storytelling officer, says: “Mike’s an incredible resource for our team, bringing an additional level of studied practicality, exceptional design talent and innovative thinking to the table.”
Yager adds: “I have a long history – over 20 years – of collaborating with IDEAS as both a strategic partner and creative resource. This feels a lot like coming home. I could not be more excited for the opportunity to work with this team on a daily basis!”
MORPH’D at Florida Aquarium
As an illustration of this successful partnership, Yager and IDEAS recently celebrated the grand launch of MORPH’D, a new immersive gallery at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa. This project helps to begin the Aquarium’s continuing, multi-year, $40 million expansion. In collaboration with The Florida Aquarium’s teams of exhibit designers and animal care specialists, Yager and IDEAS were responsible for the story development and creative direction of this pioneering experience that connects visitors to the fascinating and universal process of adaptation.
Pete Colangelo, senior director of creative services for The Florida Aquarium, says: “The IDEAS team brought a real sense of play and discovery to MORPH’D that helped convey the importance of our animals in visceral ways. It’s fresh, fun, and our guests are absolutely thrilled!”
Yager says: “The MORPH’D project was a great way to jump into working with the IDEAS teams in a very direct and productive way. Our total integrated client and production teams are incredibly happy and proud about the way this project turned out. Now it’s time to look toward what’s next.”
The next project for IDEAS is Bahia Urbana Park, a themed waterfront destination development in San Juan Puerto Rico, where the team is aiming to set a new standard for immersive cultural storytelling.
The IDEAS team were also the creative masterminds behind the new Great Florida Road Trip interactive experience at The Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando.
