HPE Case Study: From SXSW to Space | TwoLine Studios
I know we aren't supposed to have favorites, BUT, when we get to visualize cutting-edge technological research, help the first female Black astronaut communicate space travel to students, and create animated videos celebrating Black history, it's hard not to have a favorite.
David Zuniga from Axiom Space is being interviewed at SXSW.
From SXSW Launch to Ongoing Partnership
TwoLine's series of work with HPE's space computing kicked off at SXSW in 2023. We were there to graphic record their massive sharing of their latest research on their supercomputer and space computing initiatives. The team was excited because until that point, they hadn't had access to the SXSW audience, young innovators ready to be inspired.
Changing the World With Its Fastest Computer
We had the privilege of capturing Bronson Messer, Distinguished Scientist and Director of Science at the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF), and Eric Tucker, IT Chief Technology Officer at GE Global Research, as they shared groundbreaking news.
HPE and the U.S. Department of Energy announced the development of Frontier, the world's first exascale supercomputer, capable of performing 1 billion billion (yes, that's 18 zeroes!) calculations per second. Incredible. We were there to capture how this level of complex problem-solving is leading to life-changing breakthroughs in disease diagnosis, drug discovery, and renewable energy.
Mark Fernandez, Principal Investigator for Spaceborne Computer-2 at HPE, and David Zuniga from Axiom Space stand proudly at their boards by TwoLine Studios
Reinventing Space with Edge Computing
Later we visually captured information about the Spaceborne Computer-2, operating aboard the International Space Station, from Mark Fernandez, Principal Investigator for Spaceborne Computer-2 at HPE, and David Zuniga from Axiom Space.
The examples they shared were mind-blowing—AI and supercomputers have reduced time-to-insight from a month to just 12 minutes! One example that really stuck for me was how they monitored astronauts' DNA differences to map changes. This process used to take months, but as of 2023, it's done in minutes, allowing astronauts to make realish-time decisions that could literally save their lives.
What I love most about capturing keynote presentations are the visual stories—the details that make scientific breakthroughs create a personal connection. The scientists emphasized that "What we learn up there, makes life better down here" and they are "making life better for humans in space and on earth." We captured great examples of space technology that has transformed everyday life, like fire alarms, GPS, and, of course, astronaut ice cream...I remember trying it for the first time when I was 12 at Kennedy Space Center—so cool...well...so room temperature!
HPE at SXSW Super Computing - Changing the World with its Fastest Computer
Our visual storytelling created multiple touchpoints for the scientists at SXSW:
Engagement piece at the conference
Photographed and shared across social media
Used for interviews and videos
Displayed at HPE headquarters
HPE at SXSW Super Computing - Reinventing Space with Cutting Edge Computing
Taking Space Exploration Digital
Other folks on the HPE team saw my work from SXSW and wanted to reach a younger crowd to recruit high schoolers to work at HP. They brought in Aisha Bowe, the first Black woman scheduled to travel with Blue Origin on a commercial spaceflight in 2025, to talk about her journey and the importance of the STEM program.
We had the opportunity to take our work DIGITAL at HPE DISCOVER in Las Vegas. Now we weren't just sharing knowledge with those lucky enough to attend SXSW, but we were helping to:
Clarify the complexity of space travel
Cement the emotional storytelling of Aisha Bowe
Inspire children to follow their dreams
This particular session was especially meaningful as I got to share it with my own 6-year-old who dreams of being an aerospace engineer... or an astronaut comedian... whichever works out better for her.
How Digital Graphic Recording Enhanced HPE's Message:
Increased flexibility & shareability
Reached a global audience
Proved cost-effective
Improved understanding of complex concepts
Celebrating STEM Through Animation
The last activation I'll share this time is the HPE animated illustrated video drawing attention to the Digital Inclusion Program—a timelapse single illustration set to music, created in collaboration with their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team for HPE DISCOVER.
The goal was to explain the Digital Inclusion program to HPE team members: how they can get involved, teach the curriculum, and log volunteer hours. We created two versions, one internal and one external. We paid special attention to global visual language and inclusion across race, color-blind awareness, ability, identity, cultural affiliations, and more.
Derrick illustrated each character, reflecting diversity and inclusion through details in their clothes and expressions
We marked the timeline with an illustrative flow and timelapse animation
Our partners set it to music while Aaron worked to get the timing just right
Because this was a timelapse illustration set to music, it communicated powerfully in spaces where a picture truly needs to be worth a thousand words.
The Animated Video's Impact:
Used onsite in the HPE HUB
Shared through internal communications and social media
Featured in HPE Headquarters elevators
Reinforced HPE's brand values
Demonstrated their commitment to equality
HPE Animated Video on The History of Juneteenth being displayed at the event space.
The Power of Animated and Timelapse Explainer Videos
These visual stories served as:
Marketing tools for engaging audiences
Ways to explain complex ideas through music and illustration
Brand reinforcement vehicles
Product and service demonstrations
Memorable experiences across all digital platforms
Innovation with Heart
Not only do we get to share cutting-edge technology, aerospace engineering, and the importance of equality to our innovation and evolution as a human species, but HPE's team also embodied compassion, collaboration, creativity, and kindness. I am so lucky to be able to work with good people, doing good work for good reasons.
Want to kick off your next activation? Experience the impact of graphic recording at SXSW—schedule a creative consulting call today.
At TwoLine Studios, we design immersive experiences, graphic facilitate and our founder, Heather Willems, coaches leaders to reflect on big ideas and put those ideas into action.