EOH ZENAPTIX / AQUEDUCT

EOH ZENAPTIX /
AQUEDUCT

Making complex data systems visible, understandable, and usable.

OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW

A system-wide design approach spanning brand, platform, product and environment.

A brand, platform and system design project focused on translating complex big data architecture into clear, structured and usable experiences.

THE CHALLENGE
THE CHALLENGE

zenAptix had developed a powerful big data platform (Aqueduct), designed to ingest, store, analyse and present vast volumes of structured and unstructured data.

However, the system was:

  • Technically complex
  • Difficult to communicate with non-technical stakeholders
  • Lacking a clear, unified identity across platform, product and communication

Following its acquisition by EOH, the challenge expanded to include aligning zenAptix, Aqueduct and the EOH Big Data Lab into a coherent ecosystem.

The Approach
The Approach

The core objective was to simplify complexity — translating abstract data processes into a visual and conceptual system that could be understood across technical and business audiences.

This required more than branding.

It required designing a system that could operate consistently across:

  • Platform architecture
  • Product interfaces
  • Communication material
  • Internal culture
aqueduct logo
aqueduct and component logos
Platform & System Design
PLAtform & System Design

Aqueduct was structured as a four-layer platform:

  • Ingest — capturing large volumes of data from multiple sources
  • Store — scalable, resilient data storage
  • Extract — analysis through models and algorithms
  • Present — visualisation through dashboards and interfaces 

The design challenge was to make this architecture visible and understandable.

The solution was to express the platform as a flow system — where data moves, transforms and reveals value over time.

AQUEDUCT BIG DATA FLOW OVERVIEW
Visual Language
Visual Language

A visual metaphor based on natural water flow was developed to represent the behaviour of data:

  • Streams → ingestion
  • Reservoirs → storage
  • Currents → processing
  • Surface patterns → insights

This allowed complex systems to be understood intuitively.

Structured overlays of lines, nodes and networks introduced a layer of precision — reflecting the technical architecture beneath the surface.

Big Data Brochure cover

View full brochure (PDF)

Application & Outputs
Application & Outputs

The system was applied across a wide range of outputs:

Platform & Communication

  • Brochures and marketing material
  • Client presentations and pitch decks
  • Training materials
  • System diagrams and visual frameworks
big data lab co profile cover

View full brochure (PDF)

Product & Interaction

  • UI/UX design for Splendi (credit reporting app for XDS)
  • Animation explaining the Aqueduct platform and data flow
  • Animated use cases demonstrating real-world applications
  • Visualisation of federated data systems and data monetisation
AQUEDUCT USE CASE #1
AQUEDUCT USE CASE #2
SPLENDI PRODUCT PARTNER ANIMATION

Brand & Environment

  • zenAptix brand identity
  • Aqueduct and component logos
  • Unified visual system across open-source tools and interfaces
  • Website design aligned to the platform’s visual language
  • Office interior design, including murals and environmental graphics
  • Staff photography styled to reflect the data flow concept
  • Internal brand applications, such as staff apparel

Aqueduct Login Screen

aqueduct sign in screen

Proteus

proteus load screen

View full interface (PDF)

Fontana

fontana load screen

View full inteface (PDF)

Viaduct

viaduct load screen

View full interface (PDF)

Trickle

trickle noteboook load screen

View full inteface (PDF)

Bringing the System to Life
Bringing the System to Life

To bridge the gap between technical capability and human understanding, a series of animations was developed:

  • A core animation explaining how the Aqueduct platform works
  • A second animation demonstrating federated data systems and monetisation
  • A product animation for Splendi, designed to engage potential partners
  • These transformed abstract data processes into clear, narrative-driven experiences.
AQUEDUCT TECHNICAL OVERVIEW
MY ROLE
MY ROLE

Creative Lead (Brand, System Design & UX)

  • Led the overall creative direction across brand, platform and product
  • Translated complex data architecture into a clear conceptual system
  • Developed the visual language for data flow and system behaviour
  • Designed communication, marketing and training material
  • Led naming, branding and UI/UX for Splendi
  • Created animations and visual narratives for platform understanding
  • Applied the system across digital, physical and environmental touchpoints
  • Worked closely with technical teams to align design with system functionality
Outcome
Outcome
  • A unified brand and platform identity across zenAptix, Aqueduct and EOH Big Data Lab
  • Simplified communication of complex data systems
  • Improved accessibility for both technical and non-technical audiences
  • A scalable visual system applied across products, platforms and environments
LET’S WORK TOGETHER

Available for consulting, freelance, contract and permanent creative opportunities.

Let’s talk.

Contact me: carel@careldebeer.co.za
Pretoria, South Africa

Get in touch

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