This sketch includes some demo'd functionality of using the mouse to add both User-representative circles as well as Topical Categories. The color gradient is a simple example of how intuitive connections would be made between categories and user projects. The user-representative circles fluctuate in size to reflect Users or projects with multiple collaborators.

First next steps are to transpose it to p5.js so that it can be user play-tested online for interface design feedback. I am mainly curious to know where the priority should lie in terms of customizability, proliferation, and delineation between user projects, ideas, interests and then the outer 'super class' of overarching category. Estimating a good balance will be key to understanding what functionality will be most useful moving forward.

Functionality left to be implemented:

Lines between the user objects would should cross collaborations.

mouseHover() will reveal user name, contact, and specific project information.

Dynamically repositioned users and categories would reflect increased affinity between clusters.

Potentially draggable handle controls will allow people to custom "mix" or weight their own projects and topics.