Mission:Data initially approached us with a straightforward request: design and build an interactive map to showcase the Green Button scorecards that Mission:Data had begun assigning to the 3000+ utilities across North America. As we learned how methodical and detailed (and laborious) the process was to compile each scorecard, we proposed helping them transition from spreadsheets to a more robust data management system.

We implemented a Sanity-based backend content management system for storing detailed information on each utility, parent company, and regional transmission organization. This solution will scale as the data grows, and allowed us to build custom components tailored to their scorecards, standardize the input and storage formats, and - critically - allow the front end visualizations to read the most up-to-date information in real time.

With the back end database in place, we started on designing the front end tool. Wireframing during this process allowed us to optimize the UI for the various target audiences - from policy makers and regulators, to passionate energy advocates, to energy consumers - and make sure each group could quickly and easily find the information they desired.

The final designs kept with a minimalist approach, and selective use of color to distinguish the utilities that are participating in Green Button. Intuitive interactions and snappy animations provide a breezy way for visitors to navigate through different levels of aggregation and filtering. And with the plumbing hooked up to the database backend, the site will continue to update automatically as new utilities are added and existing utilities are updated.