SIParCS 2025 - Connie Chau

Systematically Improving Data Access in the NSF NCAR Research Data Archive Through User Experience Research

Recorded Talk

The NSF NCAR Research Data Archive (RDA) provides open access to a vast collection of hundreds of atmospheric and geosciences datasets. From maintaining everyday operations to responding efficiently to natural disasters to informing sustainable futures for society, making data available and accessible is critical. However, datasets in the RDA vary in size, format, variables, available metadata, and purposes. Likewise, each user comes to the RDA with their own scientific interests, technical expertise, workflows, and goals when accessing data. The RDA has supported thousands of users through data access, but how might we systematically continue to improve the user experience of the RDA website?

This project illustrates the process of utilizing user experience (UX) research to systematically generate design recommendations that are grounded in real users’ experiences and human cognition to improve data access in the RDA. Through an iterative 3-phase design thinking process (understand, explore, and materialize), I share findings generated from a variety of UX methods including usability heuristic evaluation, task flow analysis, survey, and semi-structured and usability sessions. I not only provide prototypes and recommendations for further RDA website development, but also highlight the value of user-centered research to enhance the usability, access, and sustainability of NCAR's services to our broader scientific community.

Mentors: Riley Conroy, Harsha Hampapura, Nihanth Cherukuru

Slides and poster