Simulating Crowd Movements
and Infection Risks
Client
Segment
Optical Technologies & Imaging
Year
2022-2025
Role
Product Designer,
Inhouse
Services
Branding
Corporate Identity
User Interface Design
Pojectmanagement
Science Communication
Overview
Flowculate is a software solution designed to simulate crowd movements and infection risks. By utilizing a continuous model, it reduces both calculation times and computational demands. The platform empowers even non-professional event organizers to effectively evaluate room layouts and evacuation plans.
Beyond UX: Bridging Science and Design
The work on Flowculate extended far beyond traditional UX design. Developed within an interdisciplinary research environment with diverse stakeholders, the project required constant alignment between technical and design needs. This involved integrating the new continuous model into the software architecture while developing an interface that balanced scientific precision with user-friendliness. A key focus was facilitating communication between designers, developers, and researchers to ensure both aesthetic and functional requirements were met.
Managing Complexity Through Structured Collaboration
The web application was just one part of a larger research initiative involving multiple universities, disciplines, and contributors. To manage this complexity, clear boundaries and responsibilities were defined. The project structure separated presentation, application, and mathematical development, simplifying collaboration within each domain. This clear division resulted in a more stable application and laid the groundwork for future expansions and projects.
Designing for Diverse Users: From Researchers to Event Planners
How can we develop a platform that meets the varying needs of mathematicians, event planners, and end-users? This question guided our research. The challenge was creating a solution simple enough for general users, yet robust enough for academic research.
Optimizing the Simulation Experience
How can we design the simulation process to deliver quick results, allow easy scenario testing, and spare users from dealing with complex mathematics? Earlier proofs of concept (PoC) and minimum viable products (MVP) focused solely on proving the feasibility of in-browser mathematical simulations, neglecting UX and UI considerations. Our task was to shift the focus towards a better user experience, improving both usability and functionality.
A Balanced UX: Precision Meets Flexibility
Flowculate’s UX design strikes a balance between mathematical clarity and the dynamic nature of simulations. While the initial design served as a blueprint, it was refined over time into a simplified, brand-consistent solution. Special attention was given to export functionalities, allowing users to easily process simulation results. Whether through compact CSV files, detailed PDF reports, or raw data exports, the system offers both quick overviews and in-depth analysis options.
Navigating Complexity: Design and Organization in Harmony
Working on Flowculate was as much about organizing the project’s structure and stakeholders as it was about developing the software itself. The challenge lay in understanding the mathematical foundations driving the simulations, aligning them with the technical demands of software development, and translating both into a user-friendly experience. Balancing these diverse requirements required a deep appreciation for each discipline’s needs and the ability to create a consensus that served the end-user. The interplay between project management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and design made this a truly dynamic and rewarding journey.