Web design and development by Front, a strategy, design and technology studio in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Awards are funny beasts; relevant to the people entering and winning, but often compulsively followed by “outsiders”. We asked ourselves “Why would I really visit an awards website site unless I had something to gain or learn (even if it’s just entertainment)?” There was a general consensus that award sites, while useful, can be elitist. Our first thought was to design an ‘award’ that drew together lots of opinions and sources of information, balanced expert opinions and the interest of a wider community - and was relevant to the world around us.

We decided to create a site called Downturned.com to provide a tangible link between the bamboozling array of data/opinion circulating about the economy and everyday life. As we’ve seen the stock market isn’t a perfect indication of how things are going in the ‘real’ world. Stock markets going up and money in your pocket may mean impending doom. Markets going down might mean you can buy a house. There’s such a variety of experiences not reflected by straight economic data. Why not create a site that balances data and perception, singling out winners and loser accordingly?

The site will track the health of the economy by combining publicly available data feeds, expert analysis and public opinion. We like to think if the the site as a finger in the air of the global financial crisis. In fact we like the idea so much, we’re looking for help to build Downturned.com in the next few months. If you think you can help (financially, technically, or by providing expert analysis) visit Downturned.com and get in touch.