Swedbank Diversity Simulator

It is in vogue to champion inclusion and diversity, but for the largest bank in Latvia it is a mission – not mere PR but a striving for real social change, starting – naturally – at their own house.

Swedbank is not only the largest bank but also one of the largest employers in Latvia. As far as sustainability they are not only morally but also rationally interested in a more inclusive society. And employees – present and future – are surely an active part of it. Hence – Swedbank needs initiatives that provide for a rapid increase in intelligence of their current employees as well as potential future employees as well. To find a way to not only educate their own but also create means for them to become beacons for further awareness. All the while keeping their branding intact knowing that the roles of the employee and the client always overlap as the intelligence of the Latvian society toward issues of inclusion and diversity grow ever so slightly. Furthermore – these initiatives needed to make use of the most active season in Latvia – the summer which ironically is also the season during which it is hardest to fight for the attention of all of the vacation seeking corporate crowd.

In the summer of 2024 Swedbank both got and gave. A three-fold initiative:

I
Swedbank launched an internal Diversity Simulator – a gamification oriented interactive installation using immersive technology to literally experience what special needs feel like – from dyslexia to anxiety attacks.

II
Swedbank went Baltic Pride – specially created apparel in collaboration with the leading LGBTQ+ NGO and Latvian designers and employees participating in the traditional march supporting diverse communities and their rights and for the first time – exhibiting the Simulator in it’s natural context: a celebration of diversity

III
Swedbank took their Diversity Simulator public – creating a mobile installation at one of Latvia’s biggest social issue gatherings – the conversation festival LAMPA – again – creating a phydgital platform to experience – in an immersive condensed form – an array of situations diverse humans have to deal with daily.