---
title: "Revamping long-form journalism with interactive storytelling"
url: "https://www.bitsoflove.be/our-work/challenging-the-status-quo-revamping-long-form-journalism-with-interactive-storytelling"
date_modified: "2024-09-11T14:41:59+02:00"
---

 #  Revamping long-form journalism with interactive storytelling 

##  Key takeaways 

Retaining reader attention in a fast-paced digital world through immersive journalism and information design with an interactive long-read experience.

- Client

Mediafin - De Tijd/L'Echo
- Services

Data & content strategy — UX design — Edutainment —
- Links

[De Tijd - Mastermind](https://www.tijd.be/dossiers/mastermind/mastermind.html)

## Challenge

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, **keeping reader attention** on long-form journalism is a major challenge. De Tijd/​L’Echo (Mediafin) recognized this and approached Bits of Love to find a solution.

## Solution

Bits of Love absorbed the information, story, and goals of ​“Mastermind,” a deeply researched series with over 9 chapters, and worked in collaboration with journalist Stephanie De Smedt to adjust the content for a digital experience. Utilizing Bits of Love’s information design and interactive storytelling expertise, the team created **a mobile-first concept that engaged readers through regular interruptions for interactive elements** such as quizzes, puzzles, and tasks.

The characters and interviewees were highlighted, and a visual grammar was established with the in-house illustrator. Each piece of content is accessible with its dedicated URL and metadata, allowing De Tijd to publish serially and showcase individual chapters and people through a long-tail campaign. Bits of Love’s structured **project management** and **versatile code** accommodated any last-minute changes.

> “Bits of Love elevated our digital series with expert content strategy, delivering a beautifully designed, engaging tool enriching our newspaper’s digital presence.”
> 
>   Thomas Roelens,   
> Head of Digital - De Tijd

## Result

The result is **a unique interactive long-read** that holds the reader’s attention and is enjoyable to read. The collaboration raised the technical bar and shared Bits of Love’s process for immersive pieces with De Tijd. According to **Stephanie De Smedt, the lead editor,** *​“It was great to work together and get valuable feedback on how to make the original concept better and more user-friendly. A great example of a true creative ping pong.”*

## Conclusion

The project is a success and **a testament to the power of creativity, information design, and game techniques** in tackling the challenge of retaining reader attention in long-form journalism.

[All projects](/our-work) [Next project](https://www.bitsoflove.be/our-work/bits-of-love-meets-generation-wow-exclusive-app-helps-women-network-in-a-way-that-works-for-them) 

## Thinking of a project?

Let’s talk

[Get in touch](https://www.bitsoflove.be/contact-us)