Since its inception in 1964, the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) has grown from covering just over 1,000 schools to a comprehensive, nationwide federal mandate. The platform plays a critical role in tracking civil rights across U.S. schools and understanding their impact on students. In collaboration with AEM Corporation, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Office for Civil Rights, we set out to modernize the CRDC’s web presence, making it more user-friendly and accessible for all users.
The CRDC website needed a complete overhaul to enhance user experience and improve the presentation of vital educational data. However, the project faced significant challenges due to the absence of a clear brand strategy and limited insights into the diverse needs of its audience. Our objective was to uncover these needs, revitalize the messaging, and create a more inclusive and accessible data visualization system that would benefit a wide range of users, fostering deeper engagement with the platform.
Our process began with in-depth research, leveraging the expertise of experienced educators to identify key target segments. We conducted extensive interviews with data researchers, current platform users, and analyzed the legacy website to synthesize both qualitative and quantitative insights. This data-driven approach allowed us to identify opportunities for meaningful improvements. By focusing on inclusive design principles, we aimed to ensure the platform was accessible to all, providing an equitable experience that resonated across communities.
The redesigned CRDC platform employed user-friendly UI controls, modernized typography, and a refreshed color palette to improve navigation and readability. We transformed complex, multi-dimensional data sets into intuitive infographics, making information accessible for non-experts while preserving direct access to raw data for researchers. Our visual and messaging strategy emphasized the positive impact of data collection, demonstrating how these insights could drive change and foster hope. By balancing transparency with empathetic storytelling, we honored the diverse communities represented in the data.
The successful launch of the redesigned CRDC platform highlighted the power of inclusive design, showcasing how thoughtful, user-centered solutions can enhance accessibility for a broad audience. Spanning over 58 years of data from 90,000 schools, the platform now allows millions of data points to be accessed with greater ease and clarity. This project underscored the importance of involving users in the design process, ensuring the final product not only meets diverse needs but empowers all users to engage actively. Our work on the CRDC reaffirmed our commitment to design-led solutions that create positive global impact, demonstrating the value of inclusivity and empathy in driving meaningful change.
“La Visual created a strategy and design vision for a more accessible, engaging data reporting website. We could always count on the team to provide a quick turnaround, when needed, and also a thoughtful explanation of the considerations driving the team’s design decisions and recommendations.”
- Gabriele Tapscott | Director AEM Corp.
