Big data made beautifully simple

MGI spent over five years researching the GDP, population and household income of more than 2,600 cities worldwide. Our challenge was to visualise the scale and nature of their findings and make it easy and engaging for people to navigate, on both tablet and mobile.

Collaborating closely with the MGI team, we kicked off the design process by defining the features and mapping out the user flows. Creating a wireframe prototype helped us test the user experience, from the top level spinning globe down to searching, comparing and favouriting cities.

From the wireframes we developed a visual language of dark blue tones and clusters of light, taking inspiration from NASA night photography in all its awesomeness. The data is presented in a bright colour palette to contrast with the dark blue styling.

Built for iOS and Android, the app has a hidden feature that allows MGI to upload additional data sets for the businesses and organisations they work with. We created a password-protected area where their data can be analysed together with the in-app data, enabling them to quickly spot investment opportunities in emerging markets. (The best parties always go down backstage.)