The Solution: Real-time data visualisations

Confluence: the coming together of two or more waterways

We designed Confluence, a data experience centred on the metaphor of ‘coming together’. The event’s theme centred around keystones, so central to bridges. Hence, we played around with the concept and landed on confluence.

• Data collection: Attendees quickly completed a 5-question, multiple-choice survey via a scanned QR code. Data was sent to a Google Sheet and processed in real-time.

• Data visualisation: We aggregated replies and used data vis. Instead of standard bar charts and pie charts, we created abstracted, animated visualisations projected onto TVs and large screens. These visuals played further with the confluence metaphor. For example, we used the concept of bridges to represent enablers identified by participants.

Execution: Design for curiosity

The key was designing an experience for conversation. The data visualisations were deliberately designed without legends, an unconventional decision.

• Goal: The visual impact (for example, seeing an overwhelming amount of a certain colour) would prompt participants to ask, "What does the colour 'Y' represent in this chart?"

• Outcome: This required participants to engage with a facilitator, often while in a group setting, turning a simple data display into a facilitated discussion about their hunches, priorities, and why others might have responded differently.