Visualisation for Curtin & CSIRO

In April 2010, we were contracted by Curtin University to produce a website to visualise the interrelationship of data collected by the Vensim system, on its Ningaloo Cluster Project (a collaboration with CSIRO). Ningaloo Marine Park has been the subject of intense scrutiny because of its pending listing as a world heritage site, importance as an economic contributor and its proximity to commercial industry such as fisheries and resources.

Insight gained in the investigative phase lead to technology development and an media and online engagement strategy.

In the investigate phase we analysed data-sets to identify the most effective website functionality and visualisation technology. We also researched media coverage and  key stakeholders to understand the objectives of government, political leaders, local community members, cultural/indigenous stakeholders, conservationists and scientists – all of whom are reached through the engagement activity.

A website was developed with a rich visual and textual narrative, tying the project’s findings to the the experiences of Australians. Ningaloo is scheduled for World Heritage listing. The website relates the estimated impact of tourism and development on the marine park by quantifying factors such as economic growth,  fishing and energy use. It’s tangible, interactive and visually arresting. Our consultants produced all copy, branding, design (including naming and logo) and illustrations.

The site underwent significant cognitive review leading to final visualisation development.

The engagement strategy has three objectives: driving people to the site, holding them, and bringing them back with their networks. It comprised:

• Contacting – via phone and email – individuals in key media and stakeholder organisations to explain the project’s relevance to their target audiences and provide written content. Messaging was crafted to respond to the particular objectives of each stakeholder group and emails produced for dissemination from senior project staff addresses.
• Packaging content (ready for insertion) and sending to peak industry and conservation groups for them to disseminate through their own media (member newsletters etc.)
• Delivering an interactive visualisation experience worth trying and sharing – links to popular social media platforms are embedded in the site

Google Analytics provides visibility, measuring traffic to, and activity on, the site.

Called Ningaloo Uncovered, this project represents cutting edge use of web technology to communicate complex scientific data to multiple stakeholders. It’s groundbreaking stuff.

Visit the website at: www.ningaloouncovered.com