mySidewalk: Pioneering No-Code Data Platform
Led 0-to-1 product development creating Squarespace-like platform enabling non-technical government users to build and share data-driven reports and dashboards. Pioneered systematic approach to data democratization years before mainstream no-code adoption.
The Challenge
Government agencies and community organizations needed to make data-driven policy decisions but lacked accessible tools for non-technical users. Existing data analysis required technical expertise, creating barriers between valuable community insights and the people who needed them for civic engagement and policy development. The market needed a solution that could democratize complex data analysis while maintaining the sophistication required for government decision-making.
Role & Responsibilities
-
Led 0-to-1 product development from concept through market launch and platform evolution
-
Designed systematic no-code platform architecture enabling progressive user capability building
-
Conducted user research and market validation with government agencies and community organizations
-
Managed cross-functional product team coordinating design, engineering, and civic partnerships
-
Established product strategy for modular report system evolving into comprehensive dashboard platform
-
Created user experience frameworks making complex data analysis accessible to non-technical users
Product Evolution & Platform Strategy
Strategic Architecture: Component-Based Platform Design
Systematic approach to no-code platform development:
Data Library → Components → Reports → Dashboards → Shared Content
This diagram illustrates the foundational product strategy that enabled progressive user empowerment:
-
Data Library feeds standardized datasets into the system
-
Component Library creates reusable visualization building blocks
-
Reports combine components into focused analytical narratives
-
Dashboards aggregate multiple reports into comprehensive platforms
-
Shared Components enable collaboration and template reuse across users
Phase 1: Foundation - Single-Page Data Reports
Modular report building blocks enabling civic storytelling through accessible data visualization.
Started with focused solution allowing users to create single-page reports combining data visualizations with narrative content. This established core user workflows and validated market demand for accessible civic data tools.
Page Editing Showing Component and Global Page Options
Example of a Published Public Facing Report | View Full Report
Phase 2: Component System - Flexible Report Creation
No-code interface empowering non-technical users to build sophisticated data presentations.
Evolved single reports into modular component system, enabling users to combine charts, maps, tables, and narrative elements. This systematic approach laid foundation for more complex dashboard capabilities.
Custom Component Editing UI and Data Viz Icon Set
Phase 3: Advanced Visualizations - Geographic and Statistical Analysis
Comprehensive visualization toolkit supporting complex civic analysis needs.
-
Interactive mapping for geographic policy analysis
-
Statistical charting for demographic and economic insights
-
Comparative analysis tools for multi-jurisdictional studies
-
Time-series visualization for trend analysis and forecasting
UI Showing How Users Can Easily Customize and Create Spatial Visualizations
UI Showing Custom Chart Creation and Options
UI Showing Quick Access to Data Library for Chart and Map Visualization
UI Showing Advanced Data Filtering and Distribution
Phase 4: Dashboard Platform - Complete Civic Engagement Solution
Dashboard assembly system where reports became building blocks for comprehensive civic platforms.
Transform individual reports into building blocks for complete dashboard experiences. Users could:
-
Combine multiple reports into cohesive analytical narratives
-
Create website wrappers for public-facing civic engagement
-
Build comprehensive platforms for ongoing community data sharing
-
Enable collaborative analysis across government departments
Editing UI for Dashboards Showing Easy Page and Publishing Options
Page Publishing and Settings Options
Quick Access to Editing, Preview Modes and Publishing Options
A "Best Practices" Guide to Using Data Visualization built using the MySidewalk Platform | View Dashboard
Publishing and Sharing
Users have options to publish dashboards publicly or share them privately with stakeholders. Dashboards can be embedded into external websites and reports, and real-time updates ensure the latest data changes are reflected. The designs are responsive and ADA and WCGA 2 compliant, ensuring accessibility and usability across different devices and for all users.
User Guide and Resources
Feel free to browse details on how to utilize the Reports and Dashboards feature, refer to the mySidewalk Style guide, Storytelling Knowledge Center and the Getting Started Guide.
Product Innovation & Market Impact
No-Code Pioneer (2016-2020)
Pioneered systematic approach to data democratization 3-5 years before mainstream no-code adoption. Created intuitive interface enabling government users to build sophisticated data platforms without technical assistance, establishing template for modern no-code data visualization platforms.
Modular Architecture Strategy
Developed reports-as-building-blocks approach that enabled progressive user capability building. Simple reports evolved into complex dashboard components, allowing users to grow platform sophistication based on their needs and expertise.
Civic Engagement Focus
Created purpose-built solution for government and community needs. Unlike generic business intelligence tools, designed specifically for civic use cases including policy analysis, community engagement, and public data sharing.
Results Delivered
Market Foundation
Proved market demand for accessible civic data tools before category was established
Created sustainable product model supporting evidence-based policy making and community engagement
Influenced industry direction toward user-empowerment and no-code approaches in government technology
User Empowerment
Enabled non-technical government users to create sophisticated data visualizations and analysis platforms
Reduced barriers to civic engagement through accessible data storytelling and sharing tools
Democratized data analysis across multiple municipalities and community organizations
Product Innovation
Pioneered no-code data visualization approach years before market mainstream adoption
Created systematic template for accessible data analysis platforms serving government sector
Established modular product architecture enabling users to build complex solutions from simple components
More Work Examples
Studio.Replica Redesign
Replica Places Studies
Replica Design System
Replica Trends
Tractics UI/UX Transformation
Replica Data Library