In 2021–2022 we worked with film artist Lina Persson, PhD candidate at Stockholm University of the Arts, for the development of an online CO₂ emissions calculator for film productions in Sweden. Using the latest data visualisation technology for the web, Elsa allows film practitioners and students alike to measure and report emissions through an agile online survey open to all.

Persson came to us with the question of how to improve her original calculator, a set of formulas in Microsoft Excel. We expanded the original file into a full-fledged interactive tool, taking care of the whole design process from interface design and web development, to promotion.

Differently than most calculators of this kind, we utilised a design-first approach where the desired aesthetic result determined the way information is presented. We prioritised generosity of space and aesthetic presence, straightforward texts across a low number of pages with intuitive visual clues, making Elsa both an accessible and trustworthy environment to learn and experiment. 

We kept the project team small and agile, with only 4 people continuously involved in design decisions, and Elsa is possibly the first web calculator for sustainability made entirely by a group of women.

Full of color, extremely lightweight, responsive and compliant with AA accessibility, today elsa.film is set to become the standard tool to estimate, measure and report the CO₂ emissions of movie productions in Sweden.

See the press release from Stockholm University of the Arts, and the press release of Elsa being nominated for the Swedish design award Design S 2023.