UN SDG Data Visualization

In collaboration with the Federal Statistical Office, Pro Helvetia, and Presence Switzerland, we developed an SDG Data Experience at the Vienna Design Week. This spatial installation offered a new approach to the data of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The aim was to present a digital platform with over 2,500 charts covering more than 150 countries in a visually engaging and exciting way through a gamification concept.

We developed a console based on retro game principles, which controlled two applications: the Data Explorer and the Data Challenge. In the Data Explorer, we combined a countable chart type with 17 distinct SDG icons, providing a clear overview and detailed view. In the Data Challenge, participants answered questions in a quiz format and often realized that they underestimated countries from other continents.

At the Design Week, 19,000 visitors explored data interactively through a console and room-filling projection. Our observations showed that a good Data Experience makes complex data accessible to a wide audience. The visualization served as a conversation starter and promoted discussions. With simple means, we tested how successfully complexity can be communicated — visualization can build bridges.