In a digital age where cybersecurity is paramount, Microsoft Unlocked's collaboration with KC7, a leading cybersecurity education platform, marks a milestone in innovation and storytelling. This story, integral to Microsoft Unlocked's innovative editorial mission, not only boosts Microsoft's brand appeal but also spotlights KC7's significant role in democratizing cybersecurity. KC7's commitment to breaking down industry barriers and advancing diversity, especially in underserved communities, is pivotal in shaping a more inclusive digital future.
Amidst daunting challenges—cost constraints, ethnic disparities, and reliance on personal networks—KC7 caters to diverse demographics, spanning middle schoolers to seasoned professionals seeking career transitions or upskilling opportunities. Leveraging authentic datasets akin to those encountered by intelligence analysts, KC7’s robust curriculum leverages AI to help them to scale the development of game modules to meet the ever-increasing demand for KC7 training.
This narrative brings to light the need for greater diversity within the cybersecurity field, while showcasing gamification as a catalyst for inclusivity. The emergence of diverse cyber teams not only promises to foster creativity, innovation, and resilience, but also to ignite broader interest in the field, heralding a more dynamic cybersecurity landscape.
In a departure from traditional documentary-style anthemic videos, our approach was to gamify our storytelling with energetic short-form content and interactive quiz components. Instead of a single long-form narrative, we opted to produce three dynamic, bite-sized videos, each lasting no more than 60 seconds. Inspired by the fast-paced style of TikTok, and the need to hook our audience through vignettes, these videos complemented the editorial copy, providing a visually engaging supplement to the story.
A key challenge we encountered was coordinating shoots with college and high school students, considering their limited availability. Despite being granted access to a library and classroom for filming, we sought to infuse spontaneity into the videos, necessitating flexibility in location and movement. To capture authentic footage without disrupting campus life, we embarked on mobile shoots, exploring different areas while respecting the environment and minimizing disturbances.
A significant aspect of our story was our inclusion of a diverse cast of students in the videos, exemplifying KC7's commitment to breaking barriers and supporting underrepresented individuals in pursuing careers in computer science. Filming at a historically black college, alma mater to one of KC7's co-founders, Simeon Kakpovi, added depth and authenticity to our narrative, further amplifying the message of inclusivity and empowerment.
What sets this project apart is its innovative synthesis of diverse elements, from unconventional video formats to interactive web page features. By embracing the TikTok-style approach, we transcended conventional storytelling boundaries, captivating audiences with concise yet impactful content. Our strategy targeted KC7’s youthful audience and mirrored KC7’s gamified cybersecurity education style. Moreover, our commitment to user engagement led us to develop interactive puzzles that not only entertained but also educated, adding depth to the experience and aligning the analytical skills essential in cybersecurity.
Our project exemplifies a willingness to embrace innovation and adapt to evolving trends. By marrying dynamic visual storytelling with interactive design elements, we created an experience that resonates with audiences and challenges traditional norms. Through collaborative creativity and a dedication to pushing boundaries, we've crafted a unique digital journey that transcends expectations and inspires engagement.
Our visual approach centered on the concept of simplifying complexity, harnessing the power of bold communication to convey profound messages effectively. Utilizing prominently-sized fonts and visuals, we underscored the significance of KC7's impact on the cybersecurity industry. Typography extending beyond the canvas symbolized the relentless, 24/7 nature of cybersecurity.
Vibrant background colors reflected the dynamism of KC7 and its founders, signaling their role in shaping the industry's future. Combining colorful typography with low-fidelity TikTok-style videos created a compelling composition that captivated and engaged viewers.
In our qualitative research we learned that our content did break through for our audience and impacted perceptions about sharing values, staying true to the Microsoft brand mission and sparked real joy. Additionally in quantitative research (via the anthem video) we saw significant lift against key Microsoft brand perceptions, and around the role of technology in helping to make the world a better place and impacting society in a positive way.
