Riccardo Scalco is a Senior Data Visualization Engineer with 14 years of experience translating complex scientific and enterprise datasets into expressive, interactive visuals. Trained as a physicist and PhD in computational biochemistry, he blends rigorous research methods with front-end craftsmanship to reveal hidden patterns using tools like SVG and D3.js. At Cisco and previously as Lead Data Visualisation at Nextbit, he has led design-driven visualization projects that make big-data scenarios accessible to diverse audiences. An active OSS contributor, he develops UI components and SVG pattern libraries (e.g., textures.js) that reflect a keen eye for visual detail and parametric control. Based in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, he approaches visualization as a research process—prioritizing images that surface insight quickly and beautifully.
14 years of coding experience
8 years of employment as a software developer
Bachelor's degree, Physics, Bachelor's degree, Physics at University of Trento
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Computational Biochemistry, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Computational Biochemistry at University of Zurich
Master's degree, Theoretical Physics, Master's degree, Theoretical Physics at University of Parma
Textures.js is a JavaScript library for creating SVG patterns
Role in this project:
Front-end Developer
Contributions:3 releases, 158 commits, 72 PRs in 7 years 1 month
Contributions summary:Riccardo primarily focused on developing UI components and patterns within the textures.js library. Their commits demonstrate the implementation of new visual patterns such as waves, woven, crosses, and nylon. They enhanced the existing library by adding functionalities like shape-rendering options and customizing various pattern parameters.
Contributions:7 releases, 88 commits, 113 PRs in 1 year 1 month
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