XDC NETWORK
AMBIENT MOTION VIDEO FOR NYC OFFICE

Driftlane recently completed a motion design project for XDC Network. The assignment focused on creating original ambient motion graphics for the vertical LED screens in their new Manhattan office. These visuals play during quieter periods between meetings and events, bringing a calm, branded atmosphere to the space.

The video below shows the final animations:

XDC Network is an enterprise-grade blockchain platform specializing in trade finance and real-world asset tokenization. As they opened their new office in New York, the team wanted the physical environment to reflect the same forward-looking identity found in their technology.

The Challenge

The vertical LED screens needed content that remained engaging even when the screens were not actively showing presentations or event material. The visuals had to stay consistent with XDC’s brand while feeling appropriate for a working office environment.

Two main considerations shaped the project. First, XDC did not yet have a developed 3D visual language in their branding. Introducing a full 3D world for the first time required a concept that felt connected to their existing style while offering something new and distinctive. Second, the animation had to function as a continuous loop on the displays. The motion needed to feel ongoing and natural, without any obvious repetition that would break the experience in a shared space.

Our Approach

The core of the work was developing a cohesive 3D environment that could serve as ambient content for the office screens. We focused on creating a visual world that extended XDC’s identity into three dimensions for the first time.

The direction combined a deep-space setting with a subtle North Pole star field atmosphere and blockchain-inspired forms. The goal was to introduce this new 3D layer in a way that felt natural and acceptable to the team while bringing fresh depth and atmosphere to the space.

One element that reflected the excitement of the new NYC office opening was a subtle disco ball motif reinterpreted through a blockchain hexagon structure. This small detail added a celebratory note without overpowering the overall calm tone of the animations.

The Creative Process

Building the 3D world involved careful balance. Every element was designed to feel connected to XDC’s established look while introducing new dimensionality and atmosphere. The motion was kept measured and layered so the visuals reward attention without becoming distracting in an office setting.

A key technical requirement was that the animation would run on a loop. To meet this, we constructed multiple complex layers of motion. The result is a scene that feels continuous and evolving, with no clear beginning or end point visible to viewers. This approach required detailed planning so the looping remains seamless throughout the day.

To support the new environment, we also developed a set of custom icons designed specifically for this project. These icons were created to feel native to XDC’s branding while working clearly on the vertical screens.

Bringing the Work to the Office

Once finalized, the animations were prepared specifically for the vertical LED screens in the Manhattan office. The format supports smooth, continuous playback whether the screens are viewed from across the room or up close.

The content is now installed and ready for use during events and daily operations. It provides a consistent branded presence that feels connected to XDC’s broader identity.

Results

The XDC CEO and team expressed strong satisfaction with the final delivery. They appreciated both the technical execution and the way the animations captured the spirit of the brand in a new physical context. The visuals have become a natural part of the office environment. They run smoothly in the background and transition naturally when the screens switch to active presentation mode.

What Made This Project Work

Several factors contributed to a successful result:

• A clear creative direction that focused on introducing a new 3D world while staying close to XDC’s existing branding
• Careful construction of layered motion that allows the animation to loop seamlessly without feeling repetitive
• Attention to how the visuals would actually appear on large vertical screens in a real office setting
• Consistent collaboration that kept the project moving smoothly from concept to final delivery

This project demonstrates how motion design can extend brand presence into physical spaces in a quiet yet distinctive way.

Key Takeaways

Creating ambient motion for office environments works best when the animation feels intentional and continuous. When the work introduces new visual elements while remaining true to the brand, it can enhance a space without drawing unnecessary attention.

For organizations opening or updating offices, especially in technology and finance, this kind of thoughtful motion content offers an effective way to carry brand identity into the physical environment throughout the day.

If you are considering similar motion design work for digital installations, events, or office displays, we welcome the opportunity to discuss what might suit your space and goals. Let’s explore what’s possible together.