Understanding the context

Harvard’s Geographic Insights Lab is housed within the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies and the Center for Geographic Analysis, operating under the Institute for Quantitative Social Science. The lab specializes in creating advanced data science solutions that leverage geographic data to improve evidence-based policymaking. Their goal was to develop a digital platform that could make granular, high-quality data on India’s population easily accessible to researchers, policymakers, and journalists. This platform would allow users to explore data on health, nutrition, and population at a high level of geographic precision, providing critical insights to address disparities and inform public policy.

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In an era where data drives decision-making, the ability to analyze and visualize demographic information is crucial. Harvard University’s Geographic Insights Lab, a multidisciplinary research center, sought to harness the power of data science to inform and enhance policy decisions related to health, nutrition, and population in India. To bring this vision to life, they partnered with Onetree to design and develop a state-of-the-art, interactive tool capable of visualizing detailed demographic data. This case study outlines the journey of this collaboration, from conceptualization to the successful deployment of the Harvard India Policy Insights Platform.

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The challenge

Harvard approached Onetree with a clear but complex objective: to create a fully responsive, interactive digital tool that could display detailed demographic data in a user-friendly manner. The tool needed to accommodate the needs of various user profiles, including researchers, journalists, and policymakers, allowing them to filter data by geographic regions, generate reports, and compare different datasets. The challenge was not only technical but also involved a deep understanding of the user experience, ensuring that the platform was intuitive and accessible across devices.

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Aligning objectives

The first step in the project was to align the objectives between Harvard and Onetree. A clear definition of success was paramount, as it would guide the entire design and development process. Onetree’s team of business analysts worked closely with Harvard’s stakeholders to understand their vision, goals, and expectations. This initial phase involved comprehensive discussions to define the key performance indicators (KPIs) that would measure the success of the platform. By aligning on these objectives, Onetree ensured that the project would meet Harvard’s needs while staying on track with its timeline and budget.

With the objectives clearly defined, Onetree moved into the user research phase. This involved close collaboration between business analysts and UX researchers to create user flows that catered to the diverse needs of the platform’s users. Understanding the context in which researchers and journalists would interact with the tool was crucial. The team conducted in-depth interviews and workshops to identify the primary motivations, challenges, and goals of different user groups.

This iterative process began with low-fidelity wireframes, which were continuously validated with stakeholders to ensure they aligned with user expectations. By adopting an agile methodology, Onetree was able to quickly incorporate feedback and refine the user flows, gradually moving towards more detailed prototypes.

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Detailed prototyping and technology alignment

As the project progressed, the focus shifted to more detailed prototyping and aligning the development team with the business and design requirements. Onetree developed high-fidelity prototypes that included UI designs incorporating Harvard’s branding elements such as typography, color schemes, and visual identity. Simultaneously, the team began drafting user stories to ensure that both the business and development teams were aligned on the specific functionalities and data to be displayed at each stage of user interaction.

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One of the critical aspects of this phase was deciding on the right technology stack to support the platform’s needs. This decision was made in close consultation with Harvard’s stakeholders, ensuring that the chosen technology could not only meet the current requirements but also scale as the platform evolved.

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Development and iterative validation

The development phase was characterized by continuous, iterative validation. Onetree adhered to agile methodologies, conducting regular sprints that included usability testing with actual users. This approach allowed the team to gather real-time feedback, ensuring that the platform was being developed in the right direction. The iterative process also included refining the UI designs and further optimizing the user experience based on the feedback received.

To ensure long-term scalability, Onetree implemented a design system that standardized components, making it easier to maintain and expand the platform in the future. This system not only improved the consistency of the user experience but also streamlined the development process, allowing for quicker iteration cycles.

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The launch and future prospects

The Harvard India Policy Insights Platform was successfully launched in 2022. Since its launch, the platform has been in the adoption phase, with researchers, journalists, and policymakers beginning to incorporate it into their work. User feedback is being collected by Harvard University, and we are eager to move forward with new phases of the project to continue improving the tool based on usage data. This ongoing collaboration between Harvard and Onetree aims to enhance the platform further, focusing on scalability and improving the overall user experience.

The Harvard India Policy Insights Platform is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and user-centered design. By aligning goals, understanding user needs, and embracing an agile development process, Onetree was able to deliver a tool that not only meets the current needs of its users but is also poised for future growth. As the platform continues to evolve, it will play a crucial role in informing policy decisions that can improve the lives of millions in India.