American Century Investments

HISTORY BEYOND A TIMELINE WALL

With modernity and self-exploration in mind, we developed a mix of AR integration and custom video content to showcase the company’s history, mission and storytelling in subtle yet creative ways. Using a designated web application and smartphone camera, visitors can scan over 25 AR touchpoints throughout the space to explore and immerse themselves in American Century Investments’ history, community and culture. 

The Stowers Art Wall features an engraved image of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research—the world-class biomedical research organization and controlling owner of American Century Investments. Created and endowed by American Century’s founders, James and Virginia Stowers, the Stowers Institute receives forty percent of the firm’s profits. Ensuring the art wall was both eloquent and informative was key to telling this history. Embedded within the engraved image are small brass icons visitors can scan to learn more about the Stowers Institute and its lasting impacts through groundbreaking research.

Sculptural elements line the lobby columns for more interactive AR storytelling. As visitors walk by, column insets gently illuminate, inviting guests to scan and explore. Additional displays, artifacts and brand touchpoints are scannable for visitors to uncover more insight into the company and even curious tidbits about its founders.

To maintain a cohesive and polished look throughout the space, the materiality used - both for physical and digital elements - required extensive collaboration with project stakeholders. Through rounds of research and testing, we incorporated design elements that seamlessly complement the space's sophisticated and timeless look and feel.

STORYTELLING THROUGH ART 

Just beyond the lobby’s glass door entryway is the Cultivation Wall—a 15-foot-tall, dimensional, kinetic LED display commemorating employees, testimonials and community. At the intersection of physical and digital experiences, we designed, developed and created this eye-catching display as an interactive and collective expression of the people who make American Century Investments unique. 

Additional design brand moments echo throughout the lobby, including dimensional quote walls and an awards display. DI created a statement piece honoring the vision and legacy of founder James Stowers Jr. The sculpture boasts 34 rows of mirrored elements that shift, change and reflect light. With its cascading shape, the sculpture mirrors Mr. Stowers’ transcending belief in community impact and human connection.

THE POWER OF ONE

In addition to the headquarters refresh, DI also brought to life a data-driven art piece inside the firm’s Investor Center next door. The four-screen LG display features over 175 unique data points regarding American Century Investments’ prosperity, made possible by employee contribution. DI created a framework allowing new data points to be introduced to the system when necessary to keep content fresh and engaging. Designed to illustrate individuals’ impact on the firm’s growth and community impact, this digital art piece serves as an inspiring and evergreen addition to the high-traffic space.

MADE TO SURPRISE + DELIGHT

Every touchpoint and element was intentionally designed and positioned to foster a strong sense of community, warmth and trust. Not only do the spaces showcase the brand story in an interactive and nuanced way, but they also serve as a forward-thinking recruitment tool for a growing Gen Z workforce. 

Learn more about corporate headquarters, visitor centers and digital interactives.