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.
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.
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.
Downtime Cat
A self-funded, solo-built Laravel SaaS that monitors your website and instantly alerts you via email if it goes offline—helping you respond fast and stay online.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
SaatchiKevin.com
A bespoke CMS and front end were built for Kevin Roberts, CEO Worldwide of Saatchi & Saatchi.
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.
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.
Ready to discuss your next project?
Email me at
davidc@datasmugglers.com,
and let's schedule a time to chat.
