Where Stories Become Interactive Worlds: How makemepulse Brings Ideas to Life Across Web, XR, and Beyond
Founded in 2008 by Antoine Ughetto and Nicolas Rajabaly, two visionary minds who met during their studies at the prestigious Gobelins in Paris, makemepulse has evolved from a nascent digital studio into a globally recognized creative and technology powerhouse. With offices in Paris and a reach that spans international markets, the company has dedicated over 15 years to crafting digital experiences that forge deeper, more memorable, and meaningful connections between audiences and brands. Their work operates at the critical nexus of strategy, design, storytelling, and cutting-edge technology, consistently pushing the boundaries of what digital engagement can achieve.
The genesis of makemepulse was fueled by a shared instinct that digital platforms could transcend mere communication channels, becoming vibrant spaces for emotion, interaction, and unbridled imagination. This foundational belief has guided their exploration of novel formats, the development of proprietary tools, and the creation of meticulously designed experiences for a diverse clientele, encompassing leading brands, innovative products, and influential cultural institutions. Their operational scope is deliberately broad, extending from sophisticated immersive websites and robust e-commerce platforms to pioneering phygital installations, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), WebXR activations, dynamic motion design, and engaging gaming experiences. This expansive approach stems from a core philosophy: the most compelling ideas often defy conventional categorization, demanding bespoke solutions that might manifest as a unique platform, an intricate narrative, a meticulously constructed world, a compelling game mechanic, an interactive installation, a subtle gesture, or an entirely new form of interaction. makemepulse’s role is to identify and shape the optimal format for each ambition, ensuring it is not only intuitive and aesthetically superior but also imbued with a palpable sense of life and dynamism.
The makemepulse journey began with a clear ambition beyond simply producing websites or marketing campaigns; it was about fundamentally experimenting with the potential of digital experiences. This experimental mindset has been the engine of their growth. The company has consistently embraced early adoption of new technologies, treating each project brief as an opportunity for invention, and meticulously building a team capable of harmonizing creative vision with technical precision. Today, makemepulse provides comprehensive support to its clients throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial strategic planning and conceptualization to detailed experience design, technological implementation, and final delivery. Their team of over 35 strategists, creatives, designers, developers, and producers shares an unwavering commitment to creating experiences that authentically reflect the ambitions of the brands they represent. Their craft is characterized by precision, a dedication to fluid user experiences, and a focus on designing for enduring impact.
Over the years, makemepulse has cultivated a distinguished portfolio of collaborations with an impressive roster of global brands and institutions. This esteemed list includes industry leaders such as Audemars Piguet, Brunello Cucinelli, UNESCO, McDonald’s, Riot Games, Netflix, Yuga Labs, Dior, Apple TV, Meta, Spotify, Chevrolet, Renault, Nike, Ubisoft, Estée Lauder, and Cartier. This broad spectrum of partnerships underscores their versatility and ability to deliver impactful digital solutions across diverse sectors.
The caliber of their work has not gone unnoticed, earning makemepulse numerous accolades from prestigious industry bodies. Their creative output has been consistently recognized by The FWA, Awwwards, Cannes Lions, D&AD, The Webby Awards, and The Clios, among other esteemed organizations. A particularly significant milestone in their trajectory was their recent induction into The FWA Hall of Fame. With an impressive accumulation of 98 FWA awards over an 18-year period, this recognition represents a profound validation of their enduring commitment to digital craft and innovation. It places them among the studios and companies they have long admired, entities that have historically shaped the digital landscape and set the benchmarks for excellence.
Showcase: Pioneering Immersive Storytelling and Digital Heritage
makemepulse’s portfolio is a testament to their ability to translate complex ideas into engaging and impactful digital realities. Their projects consistently demonstrate a deep understanding of user engagement, technological innovation, and narrative design.
UNESCO – Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects
In a project that powerfully demonstrates the intersection of digital innovation and cultural preservation, makemepulse partnered with UNESCO to create a groundbreaking virtual museum. This initiative was dedicated to confronting the pervasive issue of illicit trafficking of cultural property and underscoring the critical importance of restitution. The central challenge was to render the intangible visible – to make a compelling case for the profound loss experienced when cultural artifacts are stolen, disappearing not only from their communities of origin but also from global public awareness.
Drawing inspiration from Francis Kéré’s vision of the baobab tree as a locus of memory and communal gathering, makemepulse designed a multi-platform museum experience that spanned both the web and WebVR. Visitors are guided through generative galleries where meticulously reconstructed objects, often based on fragmented or low-quality documentation, float freely, liberated from the constraints of traditional display cases. The experience encourages fluid, almost spatial navigation, allowing users to immerse themselves in the narratives of these objects and even curate their own collections to share.
The underlying process involved a rigorous reconstruction effort. Many of the 248 stolen objects, representing 50 countries, required rebuilding from scarce historical data. makemepulse developed an innovative hybrid workflow that seamlessly integrated AI-assisted reconstruction techniques with expert 3D craftsmanship. This approach, coupled with UNESCO’s invaluable knowledge and a steadfast commitment to ethical transparency, ensured that the digital models accurately represented both known information and the inherent uncertainties associated with historical reconstruction. The result was an experience that was not only visually stunning but also deeply informative and respectful of the subject matter.
This exceptional project garnered multiple prestigious awards, including accolades from D&AD, Awwwards Site of the Day, Awwwards Developer of the Day, and FWA Site of the Day. However, the most profound and gratifying outcome was the recovery of four stolen objects, which have now been integrated into UNESCO’s Room for Return and Restitution. This tangible impact underscores the real-world significance of their digital creations.
Audemars Piguet – 150th Anniversary and The Journey of an Idea
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the esteemed watchmaker Audemars Piguet, makemepulse conceived and executed "The House of Wonders," an immersive digital world designed to honor the Maison’s rich heritage while vividly expressing its enduring creativity, precision, and preeminence in the realm of Haute Horlogerie. Eschewing the conventions of a traditional commemorative website, the studio envisioned a series of interconnected 3D rooms, evocative of historical cabinets of curiosity. Each meticulously crafted space offered a distinct facet of the brand through a dynamic interplay of real-time 3D rendering, CGI, animation, sophisticated sound design, and engaging interactive elements. These interactions ranged from playful quizzes and games designed to assemble watch components to immersive experiences like entering an AR portal or exploring a virtual alchemist’s laboratory.
"The House of Wonders" served as a powerful demonstration of how digital mediums can revitalize heritage, transforming 150 years of savoir-faire into a tangible, memorable, and accessible experience for both seasoned connoisseurs and a broader luxury audience. Every detail within the experience was meticulously crafted to mirror the precision inherent in watchmaking, featuring intricate mechanical elements, subtle hidden interactions, and refined transitions that contributed to a seamless and elegant user journey. With over 25 pieces of engaging, bite-sized content and a rewarding badge collection system, the experience was designed to foster curiosity and encourage repeat engagement.
The project received widespread acclaim, including a Webby Award in the Fashion, Style & Beauty category, Gold at the Grand Prix Stratégies du Luxe, and significant recognition from Awwwards and The FWA for both its site design and development craftsmanship.
As a continuation of the anniversary celebrations, makemepulse also developed "The Journey of an Idea," a more poetic and intimate WebXR experience that explored the themes of imagination and creation. This experience guided users through three symbolic spaces, each representing a distinct stage in the transformative process of an idea: from its initial conception to its meticulous craft and ultimately its enduring legacy. Developed using WebGL and WebXR, the experience was accessible across desktop and mobile devices, and was also deployed on VR headsets during exhibitions organized by Audemars Piguet for its anniversary. Through carefully curated 3D environments, multilingual narration, and immersive sound design, makemepulse aimed to connect visitors more intimately with the imaginative spirit that has propelled Audemars Piguet for a century and a half.
Ubisoft – For Honor: Scars
For the launch of Ubisoft’s highly anticipated game, "For Honor," makemepulse created "Scars," an interactive storytelling experience meticulously designed to extend the game’s visceral, cinematic universe beyond the confines of the console. The core concept revolved around a profound belief: within the world of "For Honor," every mark left by combat tells a story. This principle informed the staging of an interactive "Mexican standoff" scenario involving three distinct warriors, rendered using authentic in-game models and assets. Users were invited to delve into each character’s faction, explore their weaponry, and examine the battle scars that bore testament to their experiences.
The primary challenge was to translate the game’s cinematic quality to the web and mobile platforms without compromising its intensity or level of detail. Leveraging their proprietary NanoGL engine, makemepulse engineered a real-time 3D experience capable of running seamlessly across a wide array of devices. This was achieved through a sophisticated combination of immersive camera movements, fluid character animations, impactful sound design, and dramatic lighting.
Beyond its immersive narrative qualities, "Scars" served as a crucial bridge to the game itself, enabling users to unlock codes and redeem exclusive in-game weapons. For makemepulse, "Scars" remains a powerful exemplar of how interactive storytelling can deepen player engagement with a game world, offering a memorable narrative moment that enriches the player’s experience even before they engage in virtual combat. The project garnered several significant distinctions, including FWA of the Day, FWA of the Month, Awwwards Site of the Day, Awwwards Site of the Month, and a Silver award at Eurobest for Digital Craft.
Nomadic Tribe – A Personal Passion Project
"Nomadic Tribe" represents one of makemepulse’s most personal and creatively uninhibited endeavors: an original interactive tale conceived as a passion project and a sanctuary for unbridled creative exploration. Inspired by the evocative worlds of renowned artist Jean Giraud, also known as Moebius, and the poetic imagination of animation, the studio sought to craft a meditative digital journey that felt more akin to a dream than a conventional website. The experience unfolds across four interactive chapters, inviting users to traverse a strange and delicate world populated by colossal birds, burgeoning flora, expansive desert landscapes, and enigmatic creatures.
For makemepulse, "Nomadic Tribe" served as a fertile ground for pure experimentation. They penned an original narrative, composed a dedicated soundtrack, and constructed the entire experience in 3D, drawing significant visual inspiration from the aesthetic codes of the comic book world. The project pushed the boundaries of texture, rhythm, camera movement, and interaction to create something profoundly immersive, contemplative, and emotionally resonant.
Technically, "Nomadic Tribe" also provided a robust platform to showcase the capabilities of their in-house NanoGL engine. The engine was instrumental in prototyping and integrating complex visual effects, intricate animations, and seamless transitions, all while ensuring the experience remained fluid and accessible to a broad audience. This project exemplifies makemepulse’s preferred working methodology: a seamless fusion of craft, creativity, and technology, where these elements become virtually inseparable. The project resonated deeply with both the makemepulse team and the broader creative community, achieving critical acclaim and securing Site of the Year awards at both Awwwards and The FWA, alongside Site of the Month, Site of the Day, and a Eurobest Craft award.
Culture and Team: Fostering Innovation Through Collaboration and Autonomy
At makemepulse, the cultivation of exceptional work is rooted in a carefully balanced ecosystem that values both collective energy and individual focus. The company champions a flexible work environment, empowering each team member to operate from locations where they can achieve maximum effectiveness. Simultaneously, they foster a strong sense of shared creative rhythm and purpose. Autonomy and responsibility are highly prized, enabling ideas to progress with minimal friction.
Furthermore, makemepulse actively encourages its team to initiate, experiment, and create beyond the scope of client briefs. Internal projects, prototypes, and dedicated research moments are integral to their continuous learning process. These initiatives provide essential space for testing new tools, exploring emerging technologies, and challenging established habits, ultimately informing and enriching future client work.
After more than 15 years, the studio’s approach remains infused with the same insatiable curiosity that marked its inception. While the tools of the trade have evolved dramatically, digital formats have diversified, and audience expectations have reached unprecedented heights, the fundamental question driving their work endures: "What can we create that does not yet exist?" This relentless pursuit of the novel, coupled with a deep respect for craft and a forward-thinking embrace of technology, continues to define makemepulse as a leader in the realm of immersive digital experiences. Their invitation to "come by, and you’ll see what we mean" serves as a compelling testament to the tangible innovation and creative excellence they consistently deliver.
