selected works
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An application to help smaller communities use local data to plan for sustainability and resilience.
Overview
DISC is a desktop application I helped design and develop for the Environmental Protection Agency, which is built on the ElectronJS framework. The technologies used include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, Python (Django), and NodeJS.
I was the main user interface designer and one of the front end developers for this project. I created a series of low and high fidelity mockups for the new design of the application based on feedback from team members, and helped incorporate the design into the development version of the project.
Challenge
Smaller communities, particularly those with populations under 50,000, often face challenges in accessing comprehensive data to inform sustainable development and resilience planning. Existing tools were either too complex or lacked the localized data necessary for these communities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sought to develop a user-friendly desktop application that would provide relevant, county-level indicators to assist these communities in assessing their sustainability and resilience goals.
Approach
Collaborating with EPA’s Office of Research and Development, I contributed to the design and development of the DISC application. The application serves as a “dashboard” offering a snapshot of community well-being and resilience, utilizing existing environmental and social indicators. Key features include:
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County-Level Baseline Information: Provides communities with data on various sustainability characteristics, which can be adjusted using local data or knowledge.
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Scenario Building Utility: Facilitates planning discussions and provides materials for community outreach.
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Indicator Weighting Feature: Allows communities to prioritize indicators based on their specific values and needs.
The application was developed using an agile methodology, ensuring iterative feedback from community stakeholders to tailor the tool to their needs.
Outcome
The DISC application successfully provides smaller communities with a tool to assess and enhance their sustainability and resilience. By offering localized data and interactive features, DISC empowers communities to make informed decisions that promote smart growth and environmental justice. The application has been utilized in various regions, including the Puget Sound area, to support community revitalization and resilience planning efforts.
