2025
CloudWorld Visualization
Cloud Service
Overview
CloudWorld Visualization is an interactive experience designed to help enterprise customers intuitively understand the architecture, workflows, and value of Alibaba Cloud’s hybrid-cloud services. Our team collaborated with Alibaba Cloud enterprise experts and conducted end-to-end UX exploration to build a clear, engaging visualization for complex cloud concepts. The project won 1st place in the Alibaba Cloud Virtual World Visualization Contest.
Role
UI/UX Designer · 3D Designer
Project Type
Industry–University Collaboration
Affiliation
Alibaba Cloud × WeFish UX Community
Time
2021.11 - 2022.01
Tools
Figma, FigJam, Cinema 4D
CloudWorld
process
We applied the Double Diamond frameworkn to guide the full design process, ensuring we were designing the right thing and designing the thing right.
01
02
03
04
Discover
Define
Develop
Deliver
01 / Discover
Research Summary
Customer Persona
Design Position
CloudWorld Visualization is a visual, self-guided platform designed for companies undergoing rapid growth and digital transformation. It helps enterprise customers quickly and intuitively understand how hybrid-cloud works and the value it brings, reducing cognitive barriers and offering a clearer, more engaging cloud learning experience.
02 / define
Design Strategy
Based on the AIDMA marketing model, we approached the design from both marketing and user-experience perspectives, mapping our design goals across each stage of the customer journey:
Concept Development
Based on design goals, we used POV (Point of View) and HMW (How Might We) statements to guide our thinking, followed by brainstorming to generate a wide range of ideas.
Sci-fi aesthetic
&
Abstract disaster visualization
&
Functional guidance cues
Solution Overview
CloudWorld Experience
A visual, interactive platform that helps enterprise customers understand hybrid-cloud services.
A visual, interactive platform that helps enterprise customers understand hybrid-cloud services.
Story Background
As Eric’s rapidly growing business outgrew its on-premise infrastructure, the company’s local network started to fail. Just as he was struggling to find a solution, the “Alibaba Cloud Ship” suddenly appeared and invited him to tour the hybrid-cloud world. Eric, along with his team, began the journey…
As Eric’s rapidly growing business outgrew its on-premise infrastructure, the company’s local network started to fail. Just as he was struggling to find a solution, the “Alibaba Cloud Ship” suddenly appeared and invited him to tour the hybrid-cloud world. Eric, along with his team, began the journey…
Product Type
Web platform
Web platform
Product Content
Guided mode: Trigger interactive events in the 3D cloud world to complete the experience flow.
Exploration mode: Freely navigate the 3D cloud world and explore based on personal interest.
Guided mode: Trigger interactive events in the 3D cloud world to complete the experience flow.
Exploration mode: Freely navigate the 3D cloud world and explore based on personal interest.
Journey Map
03 / develop
Interaction Flow Architecture — Guided Experience
Task 1: Explore the Hybrid-cloud World
Task 2: Learn Cloud Adoption & Benefits
Task 3: Experience Elastic Scaling
Task 4: Disaster Incoming! Understand Disaster Recovery & Backup
Interaction Flow Architecture — Free Exploration
Built around a freely interactive 3D model, with four scene-entry buttons that let customers jump directly into different scenarios:
Main View
Planet View
Application View
Cloud Server View
04 / Deliver
Task1 — Explore the Hybrid-cloud World
We created a “cloud universe” where data flow and management are visualized as planets, enabling users to quickly grasp complex concepts. The story-driven experience sparks curiosity and encourages continued exploration.
Task2 — Learn Cloud Adoption & Benefits
Visually demonstrate the cloud migration process — after moving to the cloud, data transforms from physical entities into transparent crystal cubes, then flows into cloud servers through load balancing.
Task3 — Experience Elastic Scaling
When Eric clicks the “Increase Data” button, he can directly see how rising data volume impacts the cloud world.
Task4 — Understand Disaster Recovery & Backup
Through playful interactions, users experience disaster recovery in a vivid, engaging way. They participate in the cloud world's lifecycle, creating both immersion and a sense of responsibility.
After completing the tasks — Free Exploration Mode
In free-view mode, users unlock features not available in guided mode, enabling a deeper interactive experience.
