Project Overview
Project Overview
The Design Process
Developing a robust UX/UI design is essential in addressing the issue of misinformation spread on social media platforms. A user-centered interface is pivotal in guiding users to discern reliable information from misinformation, fostering critical thinking and media literacy. By emphasizing clarity, simplicity, and interactive debate feature, the UX/UI strategy aims to empower users to navigate content effectively, verify information sources, and engage in informed discussions. This approach seeks to bolster trust in the platform, mitigate the impact of misinformation, and promote a more informed and resilient online community.
- Research (Research Studies, User Interview)
- Information and Interactive design (User Persona, Empathy Mapping, User Journey, Story Board)
- UI Design (Wireframe Sketches, Mid-Fi Wireframes)
- Implementation & Delivery (User Testing, Iterations, High Fidellity Prototype, Final Mockup)
- Reflection (Achievements, Final thoughts)
Research
Research Studies | User Interview
Introduction
We’ve observed a significant shift in people’s news consumption habits, transitioning from traditional TV news sources to social media platforms, as evidenced by research conducted by Pew.
As news consumption habits increasingly favor social media platforms, Social media emerges as a democratizing force due to its capacity to publish content without any restrictions, accommodating polarization on a wide range of topics. We learned that their is growing trend where moving to from mainstream to social media, now lets see what is ground position.
Digging Deeper with User interviews
I compiled a list of individuals who are interested in politics, geopolitics, and current events and actively focus on news consumption through mainstream as well as social media. Employing a qualitative approach, I conducted one-on-one interviews with these individuals to gain insights into their preferences and decision-making processes.
“I make sure to catch up on the news at least once a day, usually in the morning over breakfast.”
“Access to diverse perspectives and expert analysis is crucial for developing a well-rounded understanding of complex topics, and video debates could facilitate that.”
“I’m always eager to delve deeper into complex topics and learn from experts through analysis and discussions.”
“Overall, I appreciate the convenience and accessibility of online news platforms, but I also value accuracy and depth in news reporting. There’s always room for improvement, especially in promoting balanced and nuanced coverage of important issues.”
“I primarily use online news websites and apps, along with social media platforms for news updates.”
“I would definitely be interested in learning more about complex topics through expert analysis and discussions on a news platform.”
“Access to diverse perspectives and expert analysis is crucial for understanding complex topics, so I believe debates would be beneficial..”
“It is significant to discuss current events through various perspectives other it would be called propaganda if news information emanates from the sources with a certain ideology.”
Information and Interactive design
User Journey | User Persona | Empathy Mapping | Story Board
Crafting User Personas
I proceeded to develop user personas based on interviews focusing on individuals who consumption news from TV and social media. These personas are centered around users seeking unbiased and comprehensive knowledge on various topics.
Analyzing General User Journey
Next, it was crucial to delve into the typical user journey experienced by regular news consumers. This provided valuable insights into the natural user experience and the consequential behaviors that influence user prespective.
Crafting Empathy Map
Having explored the user journey and gained a comprehensive understanding of it, I proceeded to develop user personas focusing on individuals mindset and approach.
Storyboard
After examining the user journey and understanding it fully, I created a storyboard to depict the problems faced by users like Emma and Alex, who are interested in geopolitics and current events and active news consumers.
Emma and Alex meet up for coffee to talk about what’s happening in the world. They also browse the internet together to check out news articles, social media content and posts from different viewpoints.
Alex wanted to help Emma understand a current event better, so he showed her an article about it. But it surprised Emma in a bad way because she read another article about the same event that had a completely different perspective.
Emma surprises Alex by showing him an article and supportive posts from a trustworthy source about the same event with oppsite prespective. This surprises Alex because both of their articles came from a reliable news source.
Both of them were surprised. They calmly try to convince each other that their news articles are incorrect, and they start debating about the event to prove their point.
Their debate quickly escalated from calm discussion to loud arguments, attracting the attention of others in the cafe.
After realizing what had happened, both of them felt embarrassed. Worst of all, they couldn’t gain any insightful information and understanding about the event.
Solution
Problem | Brainstorming | Final solution
Understanding The Problem
The fundamental issue lies in the lack of comprehensive understanding of a specific topic or event. It is imperative to possess detailed and thorough information about the topic or event in order for diverse perspectives and viewpoints to harmoniously coexist.
The user is an intellectually curious individual who values staying informed about current events and complex topics. He is proactive in seeking out diverse perspectives and insights to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.
While user may feel overwhelmed by the abundance of information and conflicting viewpoints encountered during their exploration, they remain reflective and introspective, but feel stuck in a same place with their information.
The user demonstrates openness and appreciation for alternative viewpoints, yet they find it difficult to fully accept or agree with perspectives that differ from their own. This reluctance stems from their awareness of not having the complete story or context surrounding the topic.
Brainstorming for solution
Once we understand the problem, the solution is to spread complete awareness about topics and events before they choose their political leaning.
Curated Content
The feature that would offer curated content sections covering various topics of interest.
Multiple Viewpoints
Each topic would include perspectives from different sources, ideologies, and viewpoints, gaining a more nuanced understanding of different perspective.
Topic Learning
The focus learning about a topic could engage users in active learning and critical thinking.
Expert Insights
Users could access insights and analysis from subject matter experts, providing additional context and depth to their understanding of complex issues.
Final solution
The solution involves creating informative content on various topics and introducing a debate format to encourage audience engagement. The platform focus on topic base learning environment that exposes users to diverse perspectives and encourages critical thinking.
Debate feature
Team of Ground News produce comprehensive videos that explore topics from diverse angles and viewpoints.
After watching the video, relevant questions will be listed to aid the user in understanding the topic.
After selecting a specific question, users will access a list of audio debates delving deeper into the discussion of that topic.
As a result, individuals are empowered to make informed decisions and develop a nuanced understanding of the topic.
UI Design
Task Flow With Low-Fidelity | Hi-Fidelity
Task Flow With Low-Fidelity Wireframe
After outlining the core function and components of the feature, we translated the concept into digital wireframes. These were instrumental in bringing the information architecture to life and gaining a clearer insight into the seamless flow between crucial screens
High-Fidelity Wireframe
After outlining the core function and components of the feature, we translated the concept into digital wireframes. These were instrumental in bringing the information architecture to life and gaining a clearer insight into the seamless flow between crucial screens.
Implementing Brand Color
Implementations & Delivery
High-Fidelity Prototype | User testing | Final Mockup | Reflection
High-Fidelity Prototype
The solution involves creating informative content on various topics and introducing a debate format to encourage audience engagement. The platform focus on topic base learning environment that exposes users to diverse perspectives and encourages critical thinking.
User Testing
Following that, I conducted prototype testing with users from my target audience. The main goals for the user testing phase were following.
- Begin by navigating to the platform’s homepage and familiarize yourself with the layout and navigation options.
- Explore the section dedicated to debates or discussions and select a topic that interests you.
- Watch the video information provided for the selected topic, including any background context or relevant details.
- Questions arise based on video information and listen to the ongoing audio debate for each question.
- Engage with other participants by responding to their comments, posing follow-up questions, or offering counterarguments.
Results
Positive Aspects
Ease of Navigation: Participants found the platform’s navigation intuitive and easy to use. The layout of the homepage and the organization of debate topics were clear and well-structured, allowing users to quickly find and select topics of interest.
Engagement Level: Users reported a high level of engagement while participating in debates. The opportunity to contribute their own thoughts and engage with other participants’ comments encourage active participation and lively discussions.
Promotion of Critical Thinking: The debate feature was successful in promoting critical thinking and encouraging users to consider diverse perspectives. Users appreciated the opportunity to watch with differing viewpoints and found the debates thought-provoking and informative.
Suggestions for Improvement
Content Presentation: Feedback on the presentation of content varied. While some users appreciated the clear and concise presentation of introductory information for each topic, others suggested providing more context or background to facilitate a deeper understanding of the issues being discussed.
User Interface Design: While overall satisfaction with the user interface design was high, some users suggested improvements such as incorporating multimedia elements (e.g. articles, documents, infographics) as supporting documents to enhance the presentation of content and implementing a more robust system for filtering and sorting debate topics.
Final Mockup
Reflection
As a product designer working on this project, the user testing results provided valuable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement of the debate feature. It was encouraging to see the positive feedback regarding the platform’s ease of navigation, engagement levels, and promotion of critical thinking. However, the suggestions for improvement highlighted the importance of continually refining and enhancing the user experience to better meet the needs and preferences of users. Moving forward, I will focus on addressing the feedback received, particularly in areas such as content presentation, user interface design, moderation, community building, and accessibility, to create a more inclusive, engaging, and impactful platform for informed and meaningful discussions.