Portfolio Explorer

Transforming complex building and urban data into interactive spatial experiences.
Role

Product Designer

Scope

Web mapping • 2D/3D visualization • Data exploration

Team

Digital Innovation Lab, Perkins&Will

Timeline

2022-2023

Focus

Spatial analytics • Map visualization • Urban systems

Portfolio Explorer was created within i/o Digital Innovation Lab at Perkins&Will, a startup-style innovation studio focused on spatial intelligence, digital experiences, and technology for the built environment.

Context

Spatial data was difficult to explore and communicate

Architecture and urban design teams worked with fragmented project data, spatial analysis, and 3D context across separate tools. Insights often had to be manually translated into maps or presentation materials, making collaboration slower and less interactive.

Fragmented data-driven design process

Design Challenge

Using maps as the interface for decision-making

The challenge was to create a web-based platform that connected data insights directly with geospatial context, so planners, designers, and clients could explore urban scenarios together.

User Groups

Supporting both creators and viewers

The product served two main groups:


Admins — architects, planners, and designers creating spatial analyses.
Viewers — clients, city officials, and residents reviewing projects and giving feedback.

Interaction & Information Architecture

Organizing complex spatial layers

Urban projects often involved many buildings, data sources, and visualization layers. I designed panel structures that helped users understand, style, and manipulate spatial layers without requiring advanced GIS expertise.

Design System & Components

Making spatial tools scalable

I worked with developers to create a reusable UI component library for geospatial products, adapting Ant Design patterns and documenting component behaviors, edge cases, and design changes.

Key Product Flows

From data import to interactive project sharing

Immediate Data Import

  • Import data directly from the internal project library.

Intuitive Spatial Data Visualization and Analytics

  • Effortlessly analyze and visualize spatial data.

Seamless Project Sharing

  • Share projects with clients smoothly and efficiently.

Viewing Experience

  • Access and interact with the project from any browser for optimal user convenience.

Outcome

Interactive spatial storytelling improved project delivery

The app helped the Boston urban design team win two projects in four months and contributed to $650K in revenue. It also gained leadership interest for future practice-specific modules, including campus planning, healthcare, and asset management.