The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office partnered with WestEd to provide DataVista, a comprehensive data platform serving the nation’s largest higher education system. Built using user-centered design principles, DataVista integrates multiple data sources into a unified platform that helps stakeholders use the information. It replaces disconnected applications with an integrated solution that enables evidence-based decision-making across California’s community college system.
Purpose
The Chancellor’s Office faced many data challenges: separate data sources, poor user experience, and delayed reporting timelines. WestEd began by identifying the needs of intended users to design an extensive tool in which information types and user experience align with their actual workflows and decision-making processes.
We then created the technical solution. Data are now stored in a scalable, secure cloud architecture within the Chancellor’s Office environment. Modern data pathways and processes consume multiple sources and transform them into key metrics, significantly improving reporting timeliness. WestEd built an entirely reimagined interface with intuitive, accessible design and interactive visualizations that users can understand. DataVista also featured an integrated toolkit that puts contextual user support, like definitions, calculations, and documents, at the user’s fingertips based on the specific data or metrics being viewed. Soon, DataVista will include a data upload tool, which will support data reporting for specific programs and services.
Since DataVista’s release, WestEd has continued evolving the solution based on community college and adult education system needs through regular feature releases and updates. When interest holders wanted detailed metric calculations, we created a searchable, linked Metric Definition Dictionary. When athletic departments requested specialized visualizations, WestEd met with them to understand requirements, designed mockups for feedback, and only then built the custom dashboard. The continual growth and enhancements ensure that DataVista will continue to inspire greater understanding of student achievement and outcomes.
Audiences Served
- Educational system leaders
- College administrators
- Adult Education administrators
- Research and evaluation staff
- Faculty and student services personnel
- State policymakers and public interest holders
Project Activities
WestEd’s work with DataVista involves the following:
- Data Integration and Infrastructure Management—Design and maintain secure, scalable cloud architecture and modern data pipelines that integrate and automatically process data sources
- Website and Data Visualization Development—Develop the user interface, self-service content tools, and data visualizations through iterative releases that respond to stakeholder feedback
- User Support and Training—Provide training, documentation, and technical assistance to support platform adoption across the community college system
- Continuous Updates and Enhancements—Provide regular data updates, feature releases, and platform improvements based on stakeholder feedback and evolving institutional needs
Project Director
Randal Tillery
Funder
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office
Project Duration
2023–ongoing (renewed annually)