Creating human connections despite
our differences

Einhorn Collaborative supports work that advances the science and practice of empathy, mutual understanding and relationship building in order to address America’s growing crisis of connection. They engaged NationSwell to collaborate with the team at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, who develop research about the science of compassion, to help them translate scientific methods for bridging divides into inspiring digital content.

After spending a year developing a playbook for bridging psychological divides using the science of our brains, GGSC had decided to share their work in a content campaign.  Aimed at the leaders and organizations who need to create understanding across group lines (e.g. teachers, physicians), the campaign needed to arm those people with the tools to bridge differences in their communities and create mutual affinities across diverse people and needs.

NationSwell designed a digital engagement strategy and storytelling campaign to bring their research playbook to life.

Our biggest barrier was tone: Most people don’t like to be told that they’re doing something wrong, and audiences are increasingly intolerant of being told they need to change.  After an in-depth research phase and the development of target personas, we landed on a storytelling campaign that relied on a “Trojan Horse” approach:
Audiences would watch fun content, unaware that they were actually watching a lesson in empathy and tolerance.

We created six separate videos, showcasing six different scientifically proven methods of fostering greater empathy, including moral reframing and active listening.  The irreverent and inclusive designs and stories allowed us to feel relevant to a wider audience.