CALIOPE Air Quality Forecast

CALIOPE is the air quality forecasting system developed by the Earth Sciences department of the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS) BSC. Using large computational resources of the BSC-CNS MareNostrum supercomputer, CALIOPE offers operational air quality forecasts for the city of Barcelona, Catalonia, the Iberian Peninsula, and Europe. The CALIOPE website and dashboard redesign was the focus of this project.

CALIOPE

The project's primary goals were to improve user experience, enable easier access to information on the CALIOPE website, and give users a tool for exploring daily forecast data.

How might we design and improve the usability of an air quality forecast dashboard and website by combining sophisticated data visualization with user-friendly interface design?

My Role: Lead product designer and project manager

Development: Marina Conde, Francesco Benincasa, Alba Vilanova

Project Lead: Albert Soret

Scientific advisors: Jan Mateu, Alvaro Criado, Albert Soret

Content design: Konstantina Chouta and Marina Corradini

UX Research Support: Konstantina Chouta

Note: The Beta version will be available in Dec 2023

User research

In our endeavour to design a seamless and human-centered experience, we made use of a number of research methodologies:

We explored through the available literature, studies, and resources to gain important information from our first action that served as the foundation for our further research methods.
These interviews gave us insightful information on the factors that influence users' behavior, the various user types, their motives while dealing with the air quality data offered by CALIOPE, as well as their more significant challenges.
User testing was a critical method that gave us an important chance to observe how users interacted with the website and dealt with different tasks. Through user testing, we got a thorough understanding of the variables that influence users' behavior as well as the difficulties they frequently face when interacting with the CALIOPE website and its data.

Concept Development & Design Process:

After conducting comprehensive user experience research, it became evident that the existing website was overly technical, creating a barrier for non-technical users. Additionally, the outdated user interface design further hindered accessibility. To address these concerns, a new approach was pursued: simplifying the information architecture, adopting a user-friendly tone throughout the content, and creating a modernized interface. The forecast dashboard was reimagined for ease of use, prioritizing the AQI as the primary selection. Users were also empowered to explore individual pollutants selectively, catering to their specific interests.

Design Process, User Testing and Feedback:

The redesign centered around streamlining information, crafting straightforward user journeys tailored to the diverse user base identified. A contemporary and captivating visual design was embraced to enhance engagement, ensuring that every interaction with the platform is both user-friendly and visually appealing. Multiple rounds of testing provided valuable insights that guided each iteration of the design, resulting in a solution that resonates seamlessly with users.

User interface Design:

The user interface design drew inspiration from the vibrant palette of the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, establishing a cohesive branding identity for CALIOPE. By incorporating these colors, the interface exudes a sense of modernity, innovation, and trustworthiness, reflecting the project's ethos and values.

Final Design and Features:

The project is currently in the development phase, with steady progress towards its realization. Anticipate the unveiling of the initial version by the close of 2023, marking an exciting step forward in bringing this vision to life.