DX LABS + STATE LIBRARY OF NEW SOUTH WALES
Muru View
THE BRIEF..........................
To create an interactive data visualisation utilising Indigenous language collected from the State Library of New South Wales.


THE PROJECT.........................
Muru View (Muru – meaning path in Darug) is an interactive data visualisation drawing from the State Library of New South Wales Indigenous language collections. The data used in the interactive is over 120 years old, and is drawn from the survey forms collected by the Royal Anthropological Society of Australasia. We open this historic data to encourage dialogue and discussion around the words and meanings that have been recorded.
Created in collaboration with creative studio, Sandpit, Muru View dynamically uses data to display locations around New South Wales incorporating their Indigenous name and meaning that were recorded at that time, all using the Google Maps API in a way never done before. The result is an interactive online experience and a projected installation at the State Library of New South Wales itself coinciding with NAIDOC week 2017 in the first week of July.
The 2017 NAIDOC theme ‘Our Languages Matter’ focuses on the importance, resilience and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. This project seeks to increase public awareness of these historic Indigenous language archives and cultural history using cutting edge technology and beautiful design.
THE TECHNOLOGY..........................
Personalisation engine, web, Google Maps.


WHAT'S BEEN SAID..........................
“Muru View was a collaboration with Sandpit and the State Library of NSW’s DX Lab and Indigenous Services team. Sandpit delivered a beautifully designed, innovative online experience and gallery version in time for NAIDOC week. Sandpit work in a very similar way to the DX Lab, driving an iterative and experimental practice with great design and UX at the fore. They are a delight to work with.”
Paula Bray, DX Lab Leader
State Library of New South Wales


Would you like to know how we could collaborate?
Send us a message and we’ll be in touch.

