Gaia Project

Webinterface to large-scale research database within Material Flow Analysis (MFA)

GAIA is a comprehensive data structure for the empirical data on industrial and societal processes, stocks, and flows used for our research and to implement that structure for all the data that are currently analysed by the group. 

• The challenge:
  To build a webinterface that allows partners and external users access to register, perform searches and contribute with data into the 25 mio+ datasets in GAIA.
  
  A secondary challenge was to define typical search patterns to assist the users, as the datastructure contains a large amount of information on each dataset.
  
   
• Methodology:
  A webinterface was developed that allowed visitors to gain infromation about GAIA and registered/approved users to perform searches + propose new datasets to the DB:
  
  An interaction design phase included the setup of a search dummy that was discussed, tested, changed and evaluated untill the search patterns and output matched the users needs.
  
   
• The results:
  Having a webinterface  broadens up the use of the database such as for example external researchers and cooperation partners. Defined search patterns enhances the performance in general use and searches. The webinterface also provides a foundation for future developments such as capitalisation of datasets and -combinations.
  
   
• The customer says:
  Creating a userfriendly webinterface to our 25+ mio. datasets on trade-related Material Flow Analysis, was not an easy task. But with the help of a thorough process of interaction design, we now have the possibiltiy to do many types of searches in typical patterns - all in a userfriendly environment.
  
  We are very satisfied with the corporation with VOI Communication and feel we now have a strong platform that is prepared for the future we expect for the GAIA project.

                                                                                                          Daniel Müller, Professor, Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, NTNU

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