From VizBlocks to the Data-Driven Actor: Reimagining an open-ended data physicalisation prototype with a creative business

In this case study, we document the process of engaging in an initially unplanned and informal knowledge exchange activity between academic researchers and a local performing arts company. This knowledge exchange activity quickly became a fruitful collaboration during which an academic design research prototype was reimagined as a wholly new product to expand the offering of a creative business. We document the factors that led to the success of this collaboration, reflecting on both features of the collaboration itself and how the design of the initial research prototype configured its repurposing. In terms of the latter, we consider how the original prototype's ambiguity, open-endedness, customisability and flexible assembly afforded its reimagining. Through the case study, we demonstrate that there is much to be gained from facilitating access to research prototypes for small and medium enterprises and supporting them in appropriating these toward their own goals.