Challenge

Catalist creates software to help non-profits mobilize supporters and influence policy debates. A core feature allows users to analyze voter databases, to identify the best people to reach out to given limited resources. This involved creating complex queries using boolean formulas - a skill that many users didn't possess. As part of a full redesign of the software, I created two concepts that simplify boolean operations, allowing Catalist to expand its market share and reduce support costs.

Concept A: Venn Diagrams

Users select the queries they want to work with, see how they overlap, and simply click segments to include and exclude. A running total is provided while users build.

Concept B: Flows & Conduits

Users combine queries using the metaphor of flows and conduits. The thickness of the flow provides insight into the effect of each operation. A running total is provided while users build.

Users modify the total through dragging and dropping queries onto the model. Creating a parallel flow adds data (OR), while placing a selection in an existing flow filters the output through overlap-only (AND) or subtraction (ANDNOT). Dotted circles indicate acceptable drop targets.