From the Nominator

"Due to COVID-19, in-person, traditional graduation exercises for the BYU Marriott School of Business did not take place. Instead, each program held its own virtual convocation that was customized to their individual graduates. While this was an admirable solution given the circumstances, this virtual option did not allow for our graduates to celebrate on campus or allow them to get their quintessential graduation photos. 

BYU Marriott’s creative team was tasked with finding a way to help our graduating students have a unique celebratory experience using the space in our existing building while maintaining COVID-19 safety protocols. To accomplish this task, the team set out to create multiple interactive photos spots using existing and manufactured locations throughout the business school building. These photo spots were advertised to all graduating BYU Marriott students to use during a four-week time frame. This timing allowed flexibility for the graduates to participate at their leisure instead of arriving all at one time, thus avoiding any potential crowding concerns. 

The photos spots were very well received by the graduates. Many noted how grateful they were that the college was providing opportunities for celebration during such a tough time. 

While initially the project was only designed and approved for one year, the photo spots were so successful that the college deans approved for the same photo spot installation to happen again for 2022 graduation."

From the Judges

The BYU Marriott Graduation photo spots installation is a fantastic display of design thinking and a masterclass in surpassing the expectations of a creative brief. The depth of detail and consideration—from the top view of the atrium and overall use of space and structure to the cohesive variety of the photo spots—form a wonderfully fun and safe experience. Congratulations on successfully reinventing the graduation photo.