Visual exploration of graph databases is a powerful method for spotting signals and patterns not immediately visible in raw data. However, most existing tools are either too complex or heavy for business users or locked behind proprietary platforms. In visual network analysis, this complexity overload is a significant issue; while graph abstraction is powerful, it can also harm user experience if not properly managed. In this context, developing custom visual graph exploration user interfaces can be key to providing business users with workable tools.

I will present how to use sigma.js, an open-source JavaScript library for web-based network visualization, to write a dedicated web interface to explore data from RICardo, an open-data research project mapping world trade in the 19th century.