On February 5, we released the following updates to the site:

• Redesigned landing page, informed by suggestions from data users. For a walkthrough of these improvements, check out our new video tutorial. Updates include:

o   New ‘Search by Address’ button, providing an intuitive way to open the address search functionality.

o   Retitled ‘Explore Filters’ button. Previously called ‘Advanced Search,’ the new ‘Explore Filters’ label provides a more accurate and inviting description.

o   Reorganization of navigation links. The tabs for ‘Profiles,’ ‘Tables,’ ‘Maps,’ and ‘Charts’ have moved from the top right corner of the landing page to the top left side of the page. This puts all data exploration tools in one convenient location. We also added a new ‘Microdata’ button that takes you directly to the Microdata Access Tool (MDAT).

o   New links to resources designed to help with your data search:

▪️Getting Started: Link to our most popular resource for learning how to begin a search on data.census.gov.

▪️Releases: Links to latest data releases, upcoming data releases, and site updates.

▪️Help: Links to the data.census.gov Resources page, video tutorials, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and email address for [email protected].

This exciting update puts educational resources at your fingertips while you are using the site!

o   New navigation to census.gov and the data.census.gov landing page:

▪️Click the Census Bureau logo in the upper left to navigate to the main census.gov webpage. This update provides consistency and alignment with the user experience on census.gov.

▪️Click the new data.census.gov button to clear your search and return to the data.census.gov landing page.

o   Key links and headers persist beyond the landing page as you navigate through the site.

o   Improved placement and font for primary search items.

o   New images and links for video tutorials towards the bottom of the landing page. These videos have been updated to show the refreshed landing page.

• URLs for Profiles now capture the section the user is viewing, allowing you to share URLs to specific sections of the Profiles.

• New scroll bar that allows you to navigate through tabs on the right side bar. We also added highlighting to show which tab you are clicked into.

• Updates to ensure columns within Rental Housing Finance Survey (RHFS) tables are properly aligned.

• Table note with comparison guidance applied to tables from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

• Text color of error messages updated for consistency.

• Enhancements to the Microdata Access Tool (MDAT), including:

o   New guidance prompting your next action after selecting the Public Use Microdata Area (PUMA) tab.

o   Updates that allow you to hold the Shift key to select multiple check boxes in bulk. This functionality was expanded to apply to selections in the geography ‘Group’ tab.

o   Dialog boxes updated to ensure they all have titles, right aligned buttons, and consistent spacing.

o   Clearer messaging when switching between datasets or years. The message indicates that your previously selected geographies will be removed.

• Technical work to allow more efficient development and cleaner code.
• Technical updates to improve analytics for data.census.gov. These updates allow internal staff to determine how users interact with the site to better inform decision-making and future updates.
• Technical work to keep our maps updated.
• Fixes to 15 defects, including fixes that allow you to:
  • Interact with the buttons in the map toolbar.
  • Use the Tab key within pop-up windows.
  • Use the A to Z scrollbar in more instances.