Change Communication During the Merger: ixtract Brings BarmeniaGothaer's IT Strategy to Life

August 22, 2026 - ixtract has developed a strategy visualization for internal communication as part of the merger between Barmenia and Gothaer. The visualization is aimed at more than 1,000 IT employees and helps to clearly illustrate changes, priorities, and shared structures within the planned IT transformation through 2026, while fostering emotional engagement in discussions.

The project focuses on knowledge transfer in a situation where employees are confronted with many issues simultaneously: new interconnections, new priorities, and new forms of collaboration. The strategy visualization translates this content into clear visual language and helps employees grasp the planned steps as a cohesive whole--serving as a foundation for orientation during the change process.

Reducing Complexity: Orientation Through Visualization

Mergers and transformations bring with them a multitude of initiatives running in parallel. For internal target groups--in this case, more than 1,000 IT employees--the same core question often arises: What is changing, what is staying the same, and how are individual measures interconnected?

The strategy visualization developed by ixtract addresses precisely this issue. It consolidates changes, prioritizes them, and highlights common structures relevant to the IT transformation. The focus is on a representation that not only informs but also illustrates connections: Which topics belong together? What dependencies exist? What key priorities are driving the transformation?

"A transformation becomes easier to understand when people can see the logic behind it at a glance," says Stefan Fichtel of ixtract GmbH. "Our task is to visualize complex content in such a way that teams can develop a shared understanding and navigate the change process."

This isn't about simplification at any cost, but rather about structure: Good visualization makes different levels legible--from strategic guidelines to the topic areas that play a role in the day-to-day work of IT.

Visual Knowledge Transfer as a Building Block of Change Communication

This case is newsworthy because it demonstrates how visual formats can be used in change and employee communication to make transformation content accessible. In this specific case, the visualization supports internal communication regarding the merger of Barmenia and Gothaer and creates a common understanding during a phase in which clarity is particularly important.

To this end, ixtract transforms complex transformation content into project visualizations and illustrations. Instead of conveying information solely through text, this approach focuses on how content is absorbed, organized, and remembered. A visual representation of the strategy can help structure conversations, consolidate questions, and establish a common language for change.

"When many projects and terms are on the table at the same time, the risk of misunderstandings increases," says Stefan Fichtel. "A visualization can help communicate priorities and structures consistently--and thus facilitate internal coordination."

The IT transformation is scheduled for 2026. The strategy visualization is part of internal communication that clearly conveys to employees how changes, priorities, and shared structures relate to one another within the framework of the transformation.

Stefan Fichtel
ixtract GmbH
www.ixtract.de

Berlin-based ixtract GmbH develops visual communication and knowledge formats for companies and organizations. Its range of services includes presenting complex content through illustrations and project visualizations to make strategies, processes, and change initiatives understandable and accessible. The contact person is Mr. Stefan Fichtel.

This release was published on openPR.