Clarity
We reduce complexity without erasing nuance. Our designs help users orient themselves, understand relationships, and interpret data with confidence.
ABOUT US
We are an independent studio designing and engineering complex digital data systems.
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION
Overview
Zimmerman is an independent design and technology studio. We design and build digital products, systems, and interfaces for organisations working with complex information.
Our practice focuses on clarity, structure, and implementation. We work across the full lifecycle of digital systems — from early definition to production — ensuring that what is designed can be built, and what is built remains coherent over time.
We operate internationally, collaborating with public institutions, research organisations, and global teams.
SECTION 2 PRINCIPLES
Operating Principles
Responsibility
Data is never neutral. We design with awareness of the political, social, and ethical implications embedded in data systems.
Transparency
We value openness in systems, methods, and communication — supporting trust through legibility and consistency.
Utility
Our tools are built for real users, real constraints, and real workflows. If it isn't usable, it isn't finished.
Care
We design with care for users, data subjects, and long-term impact, prioritizing sustainability over short-lived trends.
SECTION 3 PROCESS
Approach
We follow a structured and transparent process that moves from understanding to implementation.
PHASE 1
DISCOVER
Audit & Research
Experience Track
- Stakeholder Interviews
- User Needs Analysis
- Use-Case Prioritization
Data & API Track
- Data Source Auditing
- Standard Profiling (IATI, XML)
- Ecosystem & Legacy Mapping
PHASE 2
DEFINE
Architecture Setup
Experience Track
- User Journeys & Flows
- Sitemapping & Navigation
- Low-fi Wireframing
Data & API Track
- Data Flow Architecture
- Public REST/GraphQL Specs
- Headless CMS Structuring
PHASE 3
DEVELOP
Build & Prototype
Experience Track
- High-Fidelity Prototypes
- Design System Assembly
- Interactive UI Components
Data & API Track
- Ingestion Pipeline Build (ETL)
- Data Middleware & Backends
- Search Indexing (Apache Solr)
PHASE 4
DELIVER
Test & Evolve
Experience Track
- Acceptance Testing (UAT)
- Accessibility Auditing
- Platform Training
Data & API Track
- Automated Payload Validation
- Open-Source Deployment
- API Rate Limiting & Monitoring
Direct Contact
Have a data platform or transparency initiative in mind?
We partner with public-good organisations to build the data infrastructure their mission depends on.