# Connecting the North East’s Entrepreneurial Community with an Interactive Map

> Source: https://layers.studio/work/floe-ne-tech-map

Developing an interactive map to connect the North East entrepreneurial community and showcase key growth opportunities in the region.

**Year:** 2023

**Client:** Floe / Barclays Eagle Labs

**Industry:** Coworking

**What We Delivered:** UI, UX, Web

## Introduction

Floe, a community-driven co-working provider, partnered with Layers Studio to bring the North East tech ecosystem to life. In collaboration with Barclays Eagle Labs, their goal was to highlight the region’s dynamic tech scene, showcasing thriving startups, investors, universities, and support services,  all through a clean, intuitive, and interactive digital map.

## Challenge

Creating a tool that truly reflects the vibrancy of the North East’s entrepreneurial ecosystem presented several challenges. We needed a scalable platform that could accommodate a wide range of businesses and community assets, while maintaining an uncluttered design and easy navigation. Balancing comprehensive data with a seamless user experience was critical to foster meaningful connections and spotlight growth opportunities across the region.

## UI / UX

The design process commenced with a discovery workshop that involved key stakeholders from Floe and Barclays Eagle Labs, aiming to understand their project vision and the desired functionality for the map. This led to in-depth research on user flows, personas, similar products, map UI examples, and interactive surveys. First, a clickable wireframe prototype was created to ensure the intuitive flow and easy navigation of the pages.

In terms of visual design, the interactive map needed to compliment the existing Floe brand while embodying a 'tech' look and feel. This involved crafting a bespoke map of the UK and its North East regions in a dotted style. From the user's perspective, the map had to be user-friendly, encourage exploration, provide interactivity, and, above all, showcase the many great businesses in the North East in a simple, clean, and intuitive way.

## Development

During the development phase, we were incredibly fortunate to have the chance to work with some amazing tools and open source technologies that made a significant impact on our project. Notably, we leveraged Leaflet and React/Next JS to create interactive maps based on Open StreetMaps. Additionally, we utilised Mongo DB as our database to efficiently store and manage business details, for scalability. These resources played a vital role in driving our project forward and bringing our vision to life. What made this experience even more special was the opportunity to collaborate with Hamish and Floe. Their expertise and passion truly shone through, and together, we were able to put the spotlight on the North East and showcase the incredible work that can be achieved right here in our own region.

## Result

Together with Floe and Barclays Eagle Labs, we delivered a bespoke interactive map that goes beyond a directory, it’s a dynamic hub of the North East’s tech scene. Currently in BETA, the map features delicate dotted design elements and smooth navigation, inviting users to explore and discover local businesses and resources effortlessly. Our close collaboration ensured the platform stayed true to Floe’s brand and mission, creating a tool that will evolve alongside the community it serves.

## Why It Matters

This project does more than just list businesses. It builds a stronger, more connected tech community in the North East. By making information accessible and engaging, we’ve empowered entrepreneurs, investors, and support networks to find each other and collaborate more easily. The map acts as a catalyst for regional growth, helping to spotlight opportunities and showcase the North East as a thriving tech hub with limitless potential.

> “Layers have been incredible throughout the project. I came to them with a rough idea and they created something really beautiful that was even better than I imagine in my head. If you're looking to create something amazing look no further!”

Hamish Rutherford, Director, Floe