DataSmugglers David Colquhoun

A full stack developer with expertise in SilverStripe and Laravel, capable of building everything from massive multiplayer games to custom APIs and search interfaces.

davidc@datasmugglers.com
+64 27 444 6077
New Plymouth
New Zealand

Kitmap www.kitmap.govt.nz

Kitmap, co-developed by Callaghan Innovation and MBIE, is a platform that highlights key scientific infrastructure across Aotearoa, helping researchers connect with government facilities open to collaboration on innovation projects.

Developed entirely by David, the platform offers a cohesive, detailed, and personalized user experience.

SilverStripe
2024
Callaghan Innovation
MBIE
Tailwind
Flowbite

Expert

David started building interactive CD-ROMs in 1997 and has made massive multiplayer games, banner ads, mobile apps and responsive HTML websites.

Advertising

With experience as a Senior Full Stack Web Developer, Programmer, Game Designer, Technical Director, Teacher, and Graphic Designer, David has contributed to both advertising agencies and freelance projects.

Developer

Expertise includes SilverStripe, Laravel, WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, PHP, Python, iOS & Android apps, WebSockets, WebGL, Tailwind, banner ads, and online advertising.


Awards

David has been honored with numerous awards throughout his career, including prestigious accolades such as Cannes Gold Lions and recognition from the Type Directors Club, reflecting the high regard his work holds within the industry.


A massive multiplayer online real-time strategy (MMORTS) game, available for free on the App Store. Explore and conquer thousands of realms, build armies, and outlast your enemies in a vast, persistent world - or just enjoy raising ponies.

This game offers a unique blend of strategy and exploration, all brought to life by David, its dedicated solo developer.


TBWA Worldwide Site TBWA.com

The global advertising agency TBWA, known for its innovative and disruptive campaigns, commissioned a bespoke WordPress site developed over the course of a year.

The project, where David served as the sole developer, involved collaboration across six different countries and stands out as one of the most complex, with every element of the site meticulously crafted as a custom Gutenberg block.

2022
TBWA
Wordpress
Gutenberg
React
JavaScript

Synty Search

Synty Search

A bespoke search platform enabling game developers and digital content creators to efficiently browse and filter Synty Studios' extensive low-poly 3D asset collection. Built with a Vanilla JavaScript frontend and a Laravel API, it supports over 38,000 searchable assets.

2024
Synty Studios
Laravel
Vapor
AWS
JavaScript
Unity
Agritech Activator

Agritech Activator

Agritech Activator's tools are designed to help agritech innovators connect with industry experts and resources in New Zealand. Search tens of thousands of records using a bespoke vanilla JavaScript interface backed by a Laravel API.

2023
Callaghan Innovation
Laravel
Forge
Statamic
JavaScript
Kylea Tink

Kylea Tink

Complete redesign and rebuild of an existing NationBuilder website in the run up to the 2022 election. After the site went live Tink won the North Sydney seat.

2022
Common Ventures
NationBuilder
JavaScript
CSS
HTML
NZ At Venice Paradise Camp

NZ At Venice Paradise Camp

An interactive website to support Yuki Kihara's exhibit at the Venice Biennale in 2022. Using Tensorflow image classification on phones to recognize artworks at the exhibit, and display additional information about them.

2022
TBWA
Wordpress
Elementor
Tensorflow
JavaScript
2degrees 5G Bike

2degrees 5G Bike

In store installation using an exercise bike connected to a Raspberry Pi and TV screen. Can you ride the bike faster than 5G?

2021
TBWA
Raspberry Pi
Python
WebSockets
JavaScript
WebGL Demo

WebGL Demo

Created in 2015, it showcases the potential of interactive web content and exemplifies the innovative experiences the internet needs more often.

2015
DataSmugglers
WebGl
3D
ThreeJS
JavaScript
ilabb online store

ilabb online store

A New Zealand apparel brand specializing in high-performance ride wear, athletic wear, and lifestyle clothing. Fully customized online store and brand site built on top of Shopify.

2013
ILABB
Shopify
Liquid
HTML
CSS
JavaScript
V Evolution

V Evolution

For V Energy, a popular energy drink brand, this is a beautiful series of mini-games combined into one epic browser-based journey.

2010
Colenso BBDO
Flash
ActionScript
Burton Snobile

Burton Snobile

Chinese and english mobile campaign that allowed users to upload video from their mobile phone and have it transformed into a snow filled environment with snow landing on surfaces within the video. This was made before iPhones even existed.

2008
Saatchi & Saatchi
PHP
FFMPEG
HTML
Multilingual
SaatchiKevin.com

SaatchiKevin.com

A bespoke CMS and front end were built for Kevin Roberts, CEO Worldwide of Saatchi & Saatchi.

2006
Saatchi & Saatchi
PHP
MySQL
HTML
CSS
JavaScript
Anchorville

Anchorville

Online mini games using codes printed on milk bottles were used to enhance the games and populate Anchorville itself with new features and characters.

2002
Saatchi & Saatchi
Flash
ActionScript
The Riot of Spring

The Riot of Spring

A three-minute cinematic expression of Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” this typographic piece was created by Saatchi & Saatchi Wellington for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, art directed by Len Cheeseman.

2000
Saatchi & Saatchi
Cinema Ad
Programmer
Animator
After Effects

Ready to discuss your next project?

Email me at davidc@datasmugglers.com,
and let's schedule a time to chat.