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SHRIYA CHIPDE


From Data to Visibility: Collaborating With CUNY on the 2030 HTC Census Map


This case study explores how I led product design to create the CUNY Hard-to-Count Census Map ahead of 2030. Our goal was to simplify the experience while maintaining the depth and accuracy essential for equitable decision-making.


ROLE
Product DesignerDURATION
15 Weeks TOOLS
Figma TEAM
Shriya Chipde, Shayla Singh, Rex Fukuchi, Emily Yip
OVERVIEW
The 2030 Hard to Count Map

In preparation for the 2030 decennial Census, the Center for Urban Research at the CUNY Graduate Center asked us to help design the front-end application interface for the initial version of the 2030 Hard to Count (HTC) Map that will be used to support nationwide stakeholders in their efforts to ensure an accurate and fair Census count.
SNEAK PEEK 





THE CHALLENGE
 Simplifying Complex Geospatial Data for Diverse Stakeholders and Users

As the product design lead on the team, I was responsible for conducting research, defining a strategic direction, and translating insights into a redesigned map interface. I collaborated closely with my teammates, combining our analysis to create solutions that balanced clarity, accessibility, and the depth of data needed for equitable decision-making.





OUR GOAL WAS TO ANSWER:
How might we create an easy-to-use tool that effectively communicates complex HTC information through meaningful insights and data visualizations to support the 2030 Census efforts?









THE PROCESS
Research, Synthesis, and Ideation

Our 15-week sprint was divided into three main phases: Understand, Explore, and Materialize.








Aligning Goals: Kick off Meeting
After attending the kickoff meeting with the CUNY team and auditing the 2020 HTC Map website, defined the following project objectives.









RESEARCH
Research Methodology Overview

  1. To uncover how key stakeholders, such as nonprofit organizations, funders, and government agencies, interact with HTC data maps and identify their needs and challenges.
  2. To explore how similar maps display information










RESEARCH
Competitor Audit and Analysis
To kick off our baseline research, we conducted a review of 12 different maps (including the 2020 HTC Map).

  • 3 Census Bureau Maps
  • 3 Census projects
  • 5 Other interactive maps for ideas






What did we need to do better?







    RESEARCH
    Stakeholder Interviews

    • Conducted 30-minute interviews with 10 US-based stakeholders with experience using the CUNY HTC 2020 map representing 10 different organizations 

    • Used affinity mapping and identified 6 main findings characterizing how users interact with the interface and what their needs and challenges are







    What did we find?












    STRATEGY
    MoSCoW Prioritization


    Based on our competitor research, user interviews, and the key insights derived from affinity mapping, we decided to conduct a workshop to brainstorm the key considerations for the HTC 2030, including layer categorizations.








    STRATEGY
    The research and workshop guided our design strategy for the 2030 Hard to Count Map.

    Designing for users coming from different backgrounds by offering comprehensive onboarding and user guides, presenting a wide range of layered information with precise filters, and prioritizing usability and way-finding to meet the specific needs of a nationwide mapping project.







    OUR SOLUTION
    Using titles to give context: Redesigning the Information Architecture


    A more structured list of drop down items in the main navigation that organize supporting content for the map and also provide context for why the map is an important resource for organizations invested in the success of the U.S. Census.






    OUR SOLUTION
    Setting up a Style Guide

    We established an accessibility-focused style guide to ensure the map’s complex data remained clear and inclusive for every user.









    OUR SOLUTION
    Building A Component Library

    I developed a scalable style guide and component library centered on accessibility, ensuring the platform remained inclusive and visually cohesive across complex data visualizations.



    A clear design system file for a smooth, precise handoff to the development team




    Our final designs included 5 major design recommendations:


    01.
    A New Site Navigation

    The site’s navigation and information architecture lacked clear hierarchy. The navigation bar and page titles provided minimal guidance, making it difficult for users to understand the types of resources available and how to use the CUNY Map effectively.










    02.
    Addition of Content Pages

    Interviews showed that transparent updates are key to building user trust. However, the existing CUNY Map offered little visual or structural distinction between pages, with updates presented only as plain text and links. To improve clarity and scanability, we introduced content templates that emphasize clear titles and whitespace, and recommended a tab system to help users easily navigate between related pages.










    03.
    A Complete Redesign of the Dashboard

    To improve data discoverability, we redesigned the left dashboard panel to prioritize key Census metrics and visualizations over dense explanatory text. By organizing supporting information into accordion menus and minimal dropdowns, the dashboard allows users to focus on the most relevant map data while still accessing details as needed.






    The dashboard redesign was a large and complex effort, involving over 15 states of the left panel and 8 states of the right map panel, requiring extensive component development and a comprehensive rethinking of information hierarchy.







    View the detailed dashboard redesign across all panel states



    04.
    Addition of Interactive Walkthrough

    Because the CUNY HTC Map serves a wide range of users with varying levels of familiarity, we prioritized making support tools easy to find directly from the main dashboard. We recommended introducing a dedicated User Guide navigation item that centralizes tutorials, visual overlays, a glossary, and keyboard shortcuts, aligning with user expectations and improving overall accessibility and equity of use.







    05.
    Revamped Data Trends Page

    Due to low discoverability and usability, we redesigned the Data Trends page to make insights easier to find and interpret.


    View the detailed redesign






    CONCLUSION
    Presenting the Designs and Final Insights


    The CUNY team was thrilled with how quickly our team got up to speed on the complexities of the Census and translated stakeholder needs into thoughtful, practical designs. We went deep, talking with a wide range of users and making sure the map would actually support their day-to-day work. After presenting our final recommendations, CUNY shared that the work exceeded their expectations, and they’re now on track to launch the next version of the HTC Map!



    2030 HTC Map Team :)




    This project was my first time being a product deisgn lead, and having the opportunity to translate complex national Census data into intuitive, map-driven interfaces for government and nonprofit stakeholders was incredible. It challenged me, helped me grow immensely as a designer, and gave me a deeper appreciation for designing tools that truly support people in making strategic decisions. I’m so grateful for the experience, my team, and everything I learned along the way.






           © 2025 Shriya ChipdeEmail    LinkedIn