Sam Diaz
US Census Geography Division Partner Portal Case Study
My role in the US Census Geography Division Partner Portal?
In 2022, I led the UX/UI design for the US Census Partner Portal, a platform built to transform how government entities, research institutions, and Census partners connect, communicate, and collaborate. This case study outlines my approach to designing a secure, intuitive, and scalable portal that streamlines partner engagement and improves data accessibility.
From concept to execution, I crafted a system that enables users to manage program participation, access critical data, and communicate efficiently—all within a seamless digital experience. Inspired by platforms like Zendesk, Salesforce, and Jira, the design balances robust functionality with ease of use, ensuring that partners can navigate complex workflows effortlessly.
In the sections ahead, I will walk through the research, design decisions, user flows, and key features that shaped the success of this project. Through this case study, you’ll see how a thoughtful UX/UI approach can turn complex government processes into an accessible, user-friendly solution.
What is the US Census Geography Division Partner Portal?
The US Census Geography Division Partner Portal is a secure, centralized platform designed to facilitate seamless communication and data-sharing between the Census Bureau and its external partners, including tribal, state, and local government entities. Built to streamline participation in various Census programs, the portal serves as a one-stop hub for partners to access geospatial data, submit updates, and manage their engagement with Census initiatives.
Why the Partner Portal Matters
The US Census Partner Portal is designed to go beyond simple communication—it is a strategic tool that enables partners to build knowledge, manage opportunities, and drive engagement in Census programs. By providing a structured, self-service environment, the portal equips partners with the resources they need to apply for programs, access critical data, and make informed decisions without unnecessary delays or dependencies.
Key Functional Areas of the Portal:
🔹 Build Knowledge – Partners can access a wealth of resources, including training materials, FAQs, and historical participation records to deepen their understanding of Census programs.
🔹 Manage Opportunities – Government entities can track Census initiatives, stay informed on upcoming program deadlines, and ensure their data is up to date.
🔹 Create Demand & Influence Behavior – By providing partners with real-time data and reports, the portal enables informed decision-making that shapes Census participation at the local level.
🔹 Seamless Partner Program Application – The portal streamlines the partner enrollment process, allowing users to apply, update information, and track their program status effortlessly.
🔹 Assist Buyers & Stakeholders – Partners can use the portal to collaborate with Census staff, ensuring accurate geographic and demographic data collection.
At its core, the Partner Portal functions much like a self-service customer platform, where users are empowered to find answers, take action, and maintain their engagement autonomously. By reducing reliance on manual support, the portal enhances efficiency for both partners and the Census Bureau, ensuring smoother collaboration and more accurate data reporting.
Research Findings & Design Approach
Before beginning the design of the US Census Partner Portal, I conducted thorough research to understand the needs and challenges faced by government partners, Census staff, and external users. The research findings provided key insights that directly influenced my design approach.
Research Findings from the Census Partner Portal Study
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User Base Diversity – The portal needed to support state, county, and tribal government entities, as well as regional agencies, universities, and Census staff with varying levels of technical expertise.
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Communication Bottlenecks – Partners lacked a centralized, real-time communication system, leading to delays and inefficiencies.
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Access to Critical Data – Government entities struggled with finding and updating geospatial and program participation data efficiently.
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Fragmented Processes – Users previously relied on emails, phone calls, and multiple disconnected tools, creating unnecessary administrative burdens.
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Security & Role-Based Access – Partners required different levels of access depending on their organization type, making security and permissions a major priority.
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Self-Service Capabilities – Users wanted the ability to manage contacts, submit program applications, and access training materials independently.
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Feedback and Support Needs – There was no easy way for partners to provide direct feedback or request assistance, leading to frustration and inefficiencies.
How These Findings Shaped My Design Approach
Armed with these insights, I structured my design approach to ensure the Partner Portal would be intuitive, secure, and efficient. Here’s how I addressed the research findings in my design:
✅ User-Centric Navigation & Personalization – Designed a role-based dashboard that surfaces relevant information and tools based on the user’s entity type.
✅ Integrated Communication System – Built real-time messaging, announcements, and discussion tools to replace inefficient email chains.
✅ Easy Data Access & Management – Developed structured modules for geospatial data, historical records, and partner program updates, making them easily searchable and accessible.
✅ Streamlined User Workflows – Consolidated all key partner interactions (such as contact updates, program applications, and document downloads) into one unified system.
✅ Enhanced Security & Role-Based Permissions – Implemented secure login and access control mechanisms to ensure different users only see relevant information.
✅ Self-Service Tools & Help Center – Designed a knowledge base, FAQs, and training materials to reduce dependence on Census staff for routine inquiries.
✅ Feedback & Support Integration – Included a feedback center that allows users to submit issues, request improvements, and track support tickets within the portal.
By aligning the design solutions with the research findings, I ensured that the US Census Partner Portal would address real-world challenges, enhance partner engagement, and provide a seamless digital experience.
Key Takeaways for UX/UI Design
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User-Centric Navigation – Reduce clutter, focus on what’s relevant per user role.
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Effortless Communication – Real-time messaging, announcements, and automated updates.
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Smart Search & Filtering – Easy access to critical data with quick sorting options.
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Step-by-Step Workflows – Ensure applications & submissions are clear, trackable, and guided.
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Self-Service First – Users should find answers, submit requests, and provide feedback without needing manual intervention.