Project Lead
The Institute for Emerging Issues
North Carolina State University
Fall 2016

DESCRIPTION:

Custom data visualization software and communication resources created for each of 5 participant cities of the InnovateNC program.

OBJECTIVE:

As project lead, work with an interdisciplinary team of designs to identify why existing communication methods and survey data are not addressing the unique needs of participant cities in the InnovateNC program. Create a conceptual framework that effectively communicates and restructures existing survey data. Develop tools that allow each city to communicate the goals of their Strategic Innovation Plan.

METHODS:

Problems with the existing survey framework and visual analysis were addressed by a range of improved organizational designs and visual prototypes. Board members from each participant city received in-person consultation to discuss the difficulties they were experiencing and the types of solutions they were looking for. The survey data was restructured and custom data visualization software was developed to meet their unique needs and goals. The software delivered to each city automatically generates unique visualizations for any data they choose to input and populates pre-formatted presentation templates.

RESULTS:

Each city was having trouble using data to communicate complex and regionally specific goals, but they were also facing more fundamental organizational difficulties developing an effective plan to leverage their regional assets and drive innovation in their city. Recognizing these systemic issues helped to develop software that automatically generates compelling visualizations from any type of data while also providing a powerful framework that helps communities identify, organize, and implement their unique innovation strategies.