The Heat pump calculator: How heat pumps pay off by Voilà:

The Canadian Climate Institute wants to demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of heat pumps to a large audience to aid people deciding whether to install one in their homes. Voila worked alongside to create a tool that served to bridge the significant information gap on the topic. The interactive showcased the costs of different heating and cooling configurations, across five different cities across Canada, four building types, and three build years through a playful and appealing environment..
The tool features an interface that simplifies complex information through a gradual reveal.
It captures the user’s interest from the start with an interactive quiz enhanced by animated illustrations. Line drawings maintain attention and serve as a visual thread throughout the experience, symbolizing each choice the consumer makes. This is followed by a modeled cost, generated through accumulated data and then a full view of the results. The concept is grounded in principles of usability, engagement, and retention, creating a strong foundation for an effective user experience.
Starting with a concise summary slide and moving into a full display of results—including detailed items, cost nuances, and warnings—the interface guides the user toward the most critical information needed to make an informed decision. This progressive disclosure is a key feature, giving users time to familiarize themselves with the data before offering complete control, enhancing comprehension and confidence in their final choice.
The choice of graphs was also key, by picking charts that are easy to understand, like bar charts or beeswarm plots, the user can focus on the data and insights to decide which option fits them better and not on interpreting the graphs.
In the end, the tool was designed to address economic considerations. It combines expertise in interaction and information design, making it easy and engaging for users to explore the best options based on their specific housing situations. This heat pump tool has been a success.
It reinforces the Institute’s reputation as a thought leader and trusted resource. To date, it remains their most consulted project and has received extensive positive feedback.