OECD: Data Application
The OECD is one of the world’s largest and most reliable sources of comparable statistics, and economic and social data.
We partnered with a Vancouver based development company called 2Paths to deliver an application that provides the user with one-button access to rich data about aid-flows between the reporting countries. We simplified the task by shielding the user from the complexity of the data structure behind the application, and yet providing the expert user with ways to fine-tune the report and it's layout.
As well as collecting data, OECD monitors trends, analyses and forecasts economic developments and researches social changes or evolving patterns in trade, environment, agriculture, technology, taxation and more. We worked with the internal team to interview a cross-section of users around the world, who would use the OECD's database. That knowledge helped us create a set of five user-personae that informed the rest of our work.
The project spanned a year, with the Foundation funding the project located in Seattle, Washington, the client (OECD) in Paris, France and development and design in Vancouver, BC. We conducted user interviews with professors, students and aid recipient organizations around the world using video and tele-conferencing. Given the shear logistics of time zones, cultural diversity and remotely located stakeholders, it was important that we could rely upon a robust process and methodology. User-centered design and agile design and development won the day!
We designed a focussed application that meets the needs of it's target audience. Leveraging the expertise of our technical partner and the knowledge of our client and the end-user interviews, we were able to understand and design around the complexity of the data structure. The application has received high-praise from Bill Gates who mentioned it in his annual letter
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