Location: Aula, MOP2
Moderation: Prof. Daniel Heßler

Between Storyboard and Serious Game
– Jörn Peper on Visual Storytelling in Everyday Design

How is a serious game created that brings history to life? In his presentation, Jörn Peper, an illustrator and motion designer from Hamburg, provides insights into the production of “Gegen Mauern” (Against Walls) – a serious game developed in collaboration with the memorial site at Wolfenbüttel Prison.

The project combines historical storytelling with interactive design and demonstrates how sensitive topics can be communicated through illustration, animation, and gameplay. Jörn discusses the development of visual concepts, from storyboarding to finished scenes, and shares his experience working with game developers, historians, and curators.

Jörn also discusses his experiences from previous animation projects, such as creating content for TV documentaries and web formats like “Nuclear Games” (Grimme Online Award 2022) and “Das Schweigen der Männer” (NDR). Using specific examples, he demonstrates how research, communication, and design come together to produce compelling visuals – and how design helps tell authentic stories.

A lecture on how design, storytelling, and social responsibility intersect—and how creatives can use their tools to make complex topics emotionally accessible.

Jörn Jakob Peper is a freelance illustrator, storyboard artist, and motion designer from Hamburg, specializing in visually translating documentary content. His work blends illustration and animation to tell real stories in a compelling and emotionally engaging manner.

Jörn studied communication design in Wiesbaden, focusing on illustration and animated film. After graduation, he initially worked as a motion designer and storyboard artist for advertising film productions. He started his freelance career in 2014 as an illustrator and animator for documentary formats for NDR. Today, Jörn mainly creates illustrated sequences for TV documentaries, web stories, and educational projects.

More Information: joernpeper.de