A Strong Community for a Strong Region

For Volksbank im Elbe-Weser-Dreieck and Volksbank eG Osterholz-Bremervörde, we developed a shared AI-powered visual identity to communicate their planned merger. Based on a central “Big Picture,” we created an interactive “Click Picture” and an AI-animated film that coherently convey the reasons, opportunities, and future prospects of the merger.

topic

Mergers & Change Communication

industry

Banks & Financial Services

format

• AI: The Big Picture • Click Picture (interactive version) • AI Animated Film

area of application

• Merger Communications • Presentations & Internal Events • Digital Communications

target group

• Employees & Managers • Members & Customers • Regional Stakeholders

special features

• AI-driven development of the entire visual identity • Custom illustrations depicting the shared business area • Big Picture, Click Picture, and animated film based on a single visual concept

Initial Situation & Challenge: A Merger from a Position of Strength

Two successful regional banks plan to join forces. The proposed merger of Volksbank im Elbe-Weser-Dreieck and Volksbank eG Osterholz-Bremervörde will create a larger, combined bank with greater expertise, financial strength, and new opportunities for growth. The challenge was to clearly communicate the background and opportunities of this merger without losing sight of what defines both banks: deep regional roots, familiar points of contact, and a personal touch. What was needed, therefore, was a shared vision for the future that distills complex arguments into a clear narrative while making it clear that this change is not driven by a crisis, but rather by foresight and a position of strength.

The Solution: A Unified Visual Identity for the New Bank

The central motif is a shared “fusion building,” whose architecture draws inspiration from the main buildings of the two merging banks. Elements from both banks have been combined to form a new, shared building. In this way, the building symbolizes the new bank while also providing a visual framework for the key messages of the merger. All around the building, it becomes clear how two previously independent banks are growing together: areas of expertise complement one another, knowledge is pooled, larger projects become possible through collaboration, and new perspectives emerge. At the same time, regional presence and personal connections are maintained. The visual concept was developed with the support of AI. This allowed for the early visualization and collaborative evaluation of various perspectives, building forms, and scene layouts. Our team continued to handle the concept, art direction, selection, retouching, and final execution. The final “Big Picture” was then used to create an interactive “Click Picture” and an AI-animated film. In this way, all media draw on the same visual narrative while simultaneously fulfilling different communication objectives.

Individual scenes

The two pieces of the puzzle represent two independent, successful regional banks whose business areas and areas of expertise complement each other well. Through the merger, they are joining forces and creating a common foundation for further growth.

The merger will bring together economic strength, experience, and expertise. As a result, the combined bank will be able to support larger and more complex projects for its private and corporate clients in the future and create additional opportunities for the regional economy.

The joint bank allows for greater consolidation of knowledge and expertise. As a result, customers benefit from a larger network of specialists, even for more complex matters, while still receiving personalized service from familiar contacts.

This is how the big picture came about

For this project, we combined our traditional “big-picture” process with new possibilities offered by AI-driven visual development. Content conception, client dialogue, and art direction continue to form the foundation. AI is particularly helpful in visualizing visual concepts early on and efficiently exploring different directions.

1. Briefing & Concept Development

Together, we first identified the key arguments and core messages of the merger. This led to a storyline that spans the changes in the banking market, the benefits of the merger, and our shared vision for the future.

At the same time, we defined the visual logic, key scenes, and the requirements for the "Big Picture," "Click Picture," and animated film.

2. AI Image Generation & Iteration

Based on the concept, we developed initial AI-generated visual worlds and explored various design directions. Buildings, perspectives, landscapes, scene compositions, and regional elements were tested in several variations and evaluated together with the client. The selected direction was then developed step by step and refined through several rounds of feedback.

3. Art Direction & Finalization

Once the final visual style had been selected, the detailed work began. Individual elements were adjusted, retouched, or specifically added until the content and design came together as a cohesive whole. In addition, a custom-illustrated map of the shared business area was created. Based on the finalized visual style, the Click Picture and the AI-animated film were then produced.

Effect & Results

The project created a shared visual foundation for communicating the merger. Rather than presenting individual arguments in isolation, the Big Picture ties the most important themes together into a cohesive whole and establishes a recognizable framework for various communication scenarios. By combining the Big Picture, Click Picture, and animated film, the same story can be told in different ways and explored in greater depth.

“A Shared History for Our Shared Future”

“With the Big Picture, we’ve succeeded in bringing together the many different aspects of our merger into a single narrative. The visualization makes it clear why we’re joining forces, what opportunities this creates, and what we’ll continue to have. With the Click Picture and the animated film, we can also convey and explore this story in different ways.”

Jan Mackenberg, Chairman of the Board, Volksbank eG Osterholz-Scharmbeck

Experience the big picture interactively

A click picture with zoom-ins and info boxes was created as an accompanying medium. It allows recipients to click through the content independently and familiarize themselves with it. The click picture is available in several languages and complements the personal communication formats.

Get started today—schedule your free initial consultation!

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn how a big picture can simplify and strengthen your communication in a 30-minute conversation. We look forward to hearing about your challenges.