Decimal’s immersive digital experience for Long Lead tells the contemplative tale of freediving

Occupying a unique editorial space, story studio and editorial journalists Long Lead produce and publish original stories; reporting on remarkable tales and collaborating with eminent writers, designers, filmmakers and photographers. Looking to bring a new endeavour to life, Long Lead turned to NYC-based design and technology studio Decimal to develop the interactive digital space for them to fully showcase the depth of the tale. Titled ‘The Depths She’ll Reach,’ Long Lead worked with writer Xan Rice to tell the story of Alenka Artnik, opening up a conversation around mental health through her own suicidal intentions and inner turmoil. Having found herself grief-stricken and alone on a bridge in 2010, looking down at what could be, a decade on Artnik is now the world’s number one female freediver – continually setting and breaking her own records. Alongside audio of Artnik herself discussing the matter, as well as Rice’s in-depth and poetic storytelling, filmmaker Daan Verhoeven cinematically follows Artnik on her record-breaking – single breath – plunge. With so much to consider and respond to, both respectfully and creatively, Decimal collaborated with designer and developer Jacky Myint to combine these multi-media pieces into a comprehensive exploration of mental health and elite athleticism.