alis_ was looking for a way to **visualize the services running** on their custom _alis_ OS_. To reveal if the OS was running well, which tasks were failing. But also to show the dependencies of services having created new services and so on. And to have a clear differentiation between their domains. Finally, the final visual was going to be **used both for management _and_ marketing purposes** and thus had to be really effective, still look good, and on brand. After a longer design phase to investigate what forms revealed the insights, I developed a custom chart for them to implement as a prototype into their systems.
After discussing with the client, we completely readjusted the initial scope to include a exploratory design phase. Based on the actual data, I programmed several different visual forms, from circles to spirals to packing, and eventually came upon the “depth circle” idea. This one shows both the hierarchy of services in their parent-child relationship going outward, with connections being able to cross domain. Plus, within a domain, it would show the order in which the services were created.
The client has shared how pleased they are with the visual: “We have been using your visual for just more than 3 months in production and it has become an absolute integral part of our team. all of my team members have alis_ os open on one of their screens, all the time”
