Akamai Internet Observatory 

Role: UX + UI design, Data visualization, Design system
Company: Maark/WillowTree

Akamai ensures a fast and secure internet experience, handling up to one-third of global web traffic on any given day. They wanted visitors at their new headquarters to immediately understand—and feel—the significance of their role.

Akamai’s “Internet Observatory” is a dedicated section of their website that offers users the latest updates on the status of the internet. As part of their website redesign, Akamai aimed to update the “Internet Observatory” to be less text-heavy, transforming it into a streamlined, easily navigable resource where researchers and press can quickly find key information and data insights.

Stakeholder Interviews

At the start of the project, we conducted an in-depth discovery phase, collaborating closely with the Akamai design team to audit the existing “Observatory” pages and carry out stakeholder interviews. The insights from these interviews were particularly valuable: many Akamai employees were either unaware of the “Observatory” page or hadn’t used it in years, leading some to question the need for a redesign in the first place. This feedback highlighted the need for a fresh approach to make the section more relevant and widely utilized.

Data Visualization System

To design an “Internet Observatory” that delivers quick, easily digestible insights, I developed a data visualization system to present real-time information about internet activity. The visual approach reduces the need for users to read lengthy articles, allowing them to grasp key trends at a glance. These interactive visualizations enable users to adjust the data and download graphics for use in their own reports and articles, helping to credit Akamai as a source and increase their visibility.

Impact

The redesign of the “Internet Observatory” has been a success, with engagement increasing by over 3%. The new data visualizations have been widely downloaded and featured in numerous articles by the press and researchers. Additionally, the visualization system was expanded for use in Akamai’s Internet Station—a 24/7 command center where employees monitor internet traffic and threats in real-time.