Designing applications that scientists use in the field
A few times this year when we’ve taken briefs from new clients we’ve felt a bit scared. Mostly because the domain space is so specialized and technical. Also because the engineers and scientists we’re working with have no idea what designers do.
But it’s fun, and super interesting for designers to learn about what environmental scientists, microbiologists, chemists and safety experts actually do in their day-to-day work, the tools and technologies they use, and to design applications that support their work from the field to the lab.
One project we’re working on (with our client BGC Engineering) is the Mining Microbiome Analytics Platform (MMAP) design. The MMAP project is a great example of the Digital Supercluster bringing together a diverse group of partners together to create break-through clean tech solutions, in this case using microbes to support remediation of mining site.
Spatial became a member of the Digital Supercluster this year. We’ve been interested in the innovation potential at the intersection of different industries for several years, working on cross-industry innovation initiatives such as Fostering Innovation in Forestry, a design thinking project that brought together a diverse group of people from a range of industries to focus on using forest biomaterials for 3D printing.
We love these types of projects where we can facilitate understanding, foster creativity and connections that lead to big potential.
