USDOT Smart City Challenge
Denver, Colorado
/01
Services
Strategy
Messaging + Storytelling
Creative
Digital Design
Graphics
Video
Visualization
Renderings + Animations
Film + Motion Graphics
Challenge
The US Department of Transportation launched a Smart City Challenge, asking mid-sized cities across America to develop ideas for an integrated, first-of-its-kind smart transportation system that would use data, applications, and technology to help people and goods move more quickly, cheaply, and efficiently. The Challenge generated an overwhelming response: 78 applicant cities shared the challenges they face and ideas for how to tackle them. Then, seven finalists worked with DOT to further develop their ideas.
Denver, Colorado was one of the seven finalists. As part of the final application, a 3 minute video was required, highlighting the major points of a several-hundreds of pages technical document.


Story + Solution
Our objective was to create an educational and visually compelling video that engaged the viewer while providing detailed information about Denver’s entry into the USDOT Smart City Challenge. The introduction and voice over by Mayor Michael Hancock combined with interviews of two Denver citizens provides a direct connection to the people of Denver and the advanced technologies that will be utilized throughout the Smart City.
The video was initially viewed live during Mayor Hancock’s presentation from Washington, DC, and broadcasted across the country. It was used throughout the Smart City campaign and continues to be viewed on the USDOT’s online pages. This video serves as an example of what a Smart City can be and will continue to be utilized for years to come.
Specific criteria included
- Create a story that emphasizes how the Smart City technology will positively affect the city
- Create quality presentation with engaging visuals and an informative script
Inform and educate about Denver’s unique approach to the Smart City - Design a system of motion graphics that emphasizes how the different
technological solutions interconnect throughout the city - Film a variety of footage that emphasizes each piece of the story
The video was initially viewed live during Mayor Hancock’s presentation from Washington, DC, and broadcasted across the country. It was used throughout the Smart City campaign and continues to be viewed on the USDOT’s online pages. This video serves as an example of what a Smart City can be and will continue to be utilized for years to come.








Process
The first step in the research began by collaborating with members of the Mayor’s office, engineers, marketing experts, CDOT, transportation experts and a variety of other specialized professionals.
The second step involved a process of storytelling. The vast technological details required a number of meetings and discussions to determine the appropriate messages. Simultaneously, we worked together to determine how to emphasize a human connection.
The third step began with filming a variety of footages, including DIA, RTD lines, bus routes, interviews, etc.
The fourth step involved designing a visual language of motion graphics that could translate the technological approach into a clear and cohesive message that demonstrates how all of these pieces – from advanced technology to people – form one system that ultimately benefits the citizens of Denver and propels it into the future.
This thorough approach enabled us to create a video that engage our audience with visual depth and clarity while simultaneously adding robust layers of information that give the audience a seamless understanding of the advantages to Denver’s answer to The Smart City Challenge.
The Smart City Challenge Video was used in Mayor Hancock’s presentation in Washington, DC. It was then presented on the United States Department of Transportation websites. It has been continually utilized in presentations throughout the country as an example of what a Smart City can be.




Visual Storytellers
stories@MBRStudios.com
303.638.8791
Denver, Colorado
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