Owari: a digital trading platform for West African oil & gas markets
Owari is a live digital platform that helps traders, brokers, and analysts uncover opportunities and manage risks in the West African oil and gas market.
Mission
Design and develop a digital SaaS platform that makes complex, table-based trading data accessible, visual, and easy to navigate.
Vision
We envisioned Owari as a data platform that would automate broker’s labor and allow them to elevate their experience through connected data, real-time algorithms, and clear data visualization.
Design team goals
- Create an intuitive dashboard delivering insights in a clear and structured way.
- Ensure smooth navigation between powerful features with minimal learning curve.
- Develop a scalable design system ready for future product growth.
- Build a cost-effective platform tailored to different user groups and their specific needs.
- Design and develop a marketing landing page to introduce Owari to the market.
Technologies
Low-code Webflow tool for the Landing page & custom back-end and front end based on data viz APIs, custom algorithms, and complex table interface.
The process
Owari had a functional prototype when we were brought in to revamp the experience, make it wholesome, consistent, and scalable.
UX design & prototyping
The design of Owari focused on simplicity, clarity, and efficiency. Given the complex data involved, we aimed to create a user experience that made it easy for users to navigate and understand the platform.
Visual identity
Roboto’s clean lines and wide range of weights give flexibility, providing a consistent and efficient experience for data-heavy interfaces.
Geist Variable offers a smooth, contemporary style, and its variable weights allow us to fine-tune typography for different contexts — perfect for delivering both bold headlines and readable body text on the landing page.
The primary color scheme for Owari is a stark black and white combination. This contrast gives the platform a clean, sleek look, making the content stand out and ensuring the data is easy to interpret.
UI/UX design
The design of Owari was crafted to balance functionality and visual appeal. We focused on creating a clean, modern look that allowed users to interact with complex data effortlessly.
Dashboard
A clean, modular layout built for traders. Real-time prices, trends, and market data—organized for speed, clarity, and control.
Stock levels
Real-time stock levels and supply metrics, visualized through clear, interactive charts for quick decision-making.
Country data
Real-time stock levels and supply metrics, visualized through clear, interactive charts for quick decision-making.
Vessel tracker
Real-time vessel tracking with key details like cargo, charterers, and locations, displayed alongside interactive maps.
Energy map
Interactive map for visualizing vessels, ports, refineries, and depots, with toggle options to focus on specific data for real-time tracking and analysis.
Dark mode
Dark mode improves readability by reducing screen glare and eye strain, especially in low-light conditions. It also enhances battery life on OLED screens and provides a sleek, modern look that complements the platform's data-heavy interface.
Landing page
The Owari landing page is designed to introduce the platform’s key features and value proposition. With a clean layout and strong visual hierarchy, it captures attention, highlights key benefits, and encourages user engagement with clear call-to-action buttons.
Development
The development of Owari involved building a scalable, high-performance platform using modern web technologies.
Process
We focused on ensuring fast data processing, seamless user interactions, and robust security, while also making the platform adaptable for future feature expansions.
Built for speed and responsiveness, the landing page offers a smooth experience across all devices with fast load times and seamless navigation.
Data Viz
The functionality Owari provides is based on data aggregated from various sources, its meticulous validation, and display. Because the information provided is a commodity itself, there needed to be high standards of data display. The insight clients get from Owari influence the world economy.
To make the data tell its story, we went with clear, organized, simple graphics. The ability to read sentiment, find opportunities, and predict market behavior are central to the user experience of this state-of-the-art SaaS platform.
Outcome
Owari is currently in its beta, with just a handful of features available for exploration, and with a massive launch prepared for later this year. Given the specifics, there are no casual users, just the professionals, and it gives us a valuable source of feedback. The work is ongoing.
Customer Testimonial
Owari was a real challenge. From grasping the business logic to strategically selecting the color scheme for high-sulfur diesel grades’ visualization – it was all a test and we passed it with flying colors!Moses KimCreative Producer
