IBM Studio - Groningen to Create Data-Driven Digital Experiences for Clients

AMSTERDAM - 23 Jun 2015: IBM (NYSE: IBM ) today announced the opening of IBM Studio Groningen, where IBM design, digital and industry experts will work with clients to help them engage with their customers using big data, mobile, cloud and social innovations.

Located in the IBM Services Center in Groningen, the studio will be the hub of IBM Design in the Netherlands and will host local teams from IBM Interactive Experience , the largest digital agency in the world. It will be a space for clients in industries such as automotive, financial services and retail to work side-by-side with IBM consultants and experience design experts to analyze business challenges and integrate next-generation technologies to create more personalized digital experiences.

According to Hans Nijhof of Jumbo Supermarkets, a leading supermarket chain in the Netherlands, "Jumbo Supermarkets is continuously improving its operations to serve their customers according to our values. As part of this larger program, we wanted to introduce a way for individual stores to work on their shop improvement plans in a more client-centric way. IBM's solution, which was created in 12 weeks, allows Jumbo to disseminate retail best practices throughout our 500+ stores, and allows them to learn from each other."

Added Matt Candy, European Leader of IBM Interactive Experience, "User experience design and personalization are driving digital engagement at IBM, as exceptional customer experiences create value for companies. Our new Studio in Groningen will enable us to better meet the needs of our clients and underlines our commitment to transforming the client experience.”

IBM Studio Groningen represents the latest investment in IBM's worldwide design capability. The company has created spaces where product development, experience design, consulting, brand experience and marketing co-locate to maximize collaboration and value for IBM clients.

IBM Studio Groningen joins more than 25 IBM Studios in locations including Atlanta, Austin, Bangalore, Beijing, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Ehningen, Hursley, London, Madrid, Melbourne, Mexico City, New York, Paris, Sao Paolo, Shanghai, Tokyo and Toronto, with more IBM Studios set to open this year.

IBM Design applies the principles of IBM Design Thinking , which takes a rapid prototyping approach to user-centric product development, as well as IBM Design Language, a framework to inspire bold and engaging experiences.

IBM has a longstanding history of design excellence from its iconic 8-bar logo, to the sleekly modern Thomas J. Watson Research Center. Most recently, IBM designers have collaborated on innovations from a machine-to-machine connected car platform, to IBM Bluemix, the open cloud platform that enables developers to rapidly build, deploy and manage their cloud applications.