This project is one that I am very proud of because of how challenging it was. It put to test not just my ability to solve the users’ problems, but also my collaboration and project management skills. I am particularly proud of the fact that we were able to create a new, enhanced version of the previous system given the technical and time limitations we faced throughout this project. 

Since this project was recently launched, we haven’t been able to gather full user feedback or metrics. However, the stakeholders frequently shared with us their excitement for the new system.

CDC OSH STATE System

Role: UX Design | Challenges: Time, Tech | Tools Used: Axure, COVE System

The OSH STATE System is a data visualization tool that provides users with data on smoking policies across the US. In December of 2023, CDC asked us to modernize this application with a new enterprise tool dubbed CDC’s Open-Source Visualization Editor (COVE). The legacy system had a license that would expire in February of 2025 and they had chosen COVE to be its replacement.

Discovery

We utilized several years of web metric data and stakeholder interviews to learn what in this application could be improved. Through this, we determined the following pain points for users:

  • Even though creating comparisons is an essential requirement for users, the system didn’t offer an easy way to view data points side-by-side

  • The system was fragmented and users had to access several screens to access information on the same topics

The previous system was split into two distinct sites: preset visualization “highlights” in one and customizable data tables in another. With only enough time to create a single, unified site, we blended the two functionalities to ensure users retained flexibility.   

Designing the system

To guide these decisions, we analyzed user workflows and prioritized ease of navigation. We introduced automation for preset options to streamline decision-making for users accustomed to Highlights reports, but preserving the ability to customize visualizations for users familiar with the Custom Reports section. Balancing automation with user control was essential—so we designed an interface that allows users to select locations and time periods dynamically without overwhelming them with excessive manual inputs.

We explored different layout structures to optimize clarity, comparing high-fidelity prototypes to past user interactions. Axure played a critical role in rapid iteration, allowing us to validate design adjustments with stakeholders before finalizing the system. These considerations ensured that the new platform provided an intuitive experience while preserving the core functionalities users depended on.

adding to enterprise systems and collaborating across teams

While designing the system, we also worked closely with COVE developers to ensure the site met the specifications of the system and would be able to be developed to spec. This system came with significant technical limitations - we were not able to create dynamic screens and we often faced bugs that stopped development altogether.

There were also four other teams at our center who were modernizing applications on the COVE system, so constant collaboration and communication between the teams was essential for the entire duration of this project. On a regular day, I would find myself speaking with: database managers, COVE developers, site developers, UX team, and Product Management teams. When conducting development reviews, I created a framework for myself to follow when testing: