‘Human centered design’ is not often used as a description for today’s technologically advanced scenic storytelling environments. Team DDG wanted to change that and has tapped into what makes Seattle so unique, dynamic, and progressive… for its residents, and their client, Sinclair owned station, KOMO. The result, an innovative design that captures the heart and soul of the ‘Emerald City’.

“After our input meeting with the management staff at KOMO, we took a stroll down to Victor Steinbrueck Park which has commanding views of Elliot Bay, Pike Place Market and the Seattle skyline. The sun was shining, the sketchbook was out, and the creative inspiration was instantaneous!  The initial concept sketch was completed in less than an hour, this one just poured out like great Seattle coffee!” — Dan Devlin, Owner/Chief Creative Strategist, Devlin Design Group

The stunning downtown skyline and surrounding water, mountains and evergreen forests are featured in a large illustrated RGB LED backlit wall.  Surrounding the 2 video walls, a 6×3 array and a 4×3 array, a nod to the thriving tech industry, and the area’s well know rainy climate can be seen in an RGB LED backlit pattern dubbed ‘digital rain’.

“Team DDG captured the Seattle progressive vibe brilliantly by blending a wide sweeping panorama of technology, progressive architecture, and hints of Northwest art culture.  DDG’s work at KOMO is why they are our premier set designer for our stations.” — Mark Nadeau, Director of TV Production, Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Janene Drafs, KOMO V.P. & General Manager, echoes that sentiment, “Our new set environment by team DDG is the perfect blend of technology and Northwest lifestyle that will resonate with viewers.  It’s a warm, inviting space, that showcases and takes care of business at the same time.”

The new design not only conveys the ‘now-ness’ of Seattle, but also showcases elements of Seattle’s rich and colorful history. The floor graphics were inspired by Native American Northwest tribal art. The organic desk designs can best be described as a pod of whales. Above the main performance area is a helicopter blade, placed as a tribute to longtime KOMO News photographer Bill Strothman, and pilot Gary Pfizner, who lost their lives in a crash yards away from the Space Needle in 2014.

According to Kartik Dakshinamoorthy, Devlin Design Group’s Scenic Design Director, “A project that’s this innovative runs the risk of being all form without an equal amount of function. With this project we pretty quickly achieved the right balance. The volume of quality ideas from Team DDG was a clear indication that this project would evolve into a design like nothing else out there.”

Pat Costello, KOMO’S News Director agrees. “This set has a lot of sandboxes to play in…it showcases our talent and content unlike anything in our market. the flexibility that’s built into it is visually endless!”

For more information, contact Diane Fiolek. 248.875.9565 difi@ddgtvstaging.wpengine.com