Up2Date
What is Up2Date?
An app that distributes news sources with the ability to filter fake news and provide the tone of an article. It is news curated just for you.
My Role–
Research, UX/UI, Prototyping, Visual Design
Team–
Jalyn Metra-Lopez, Taeksu Kim, Hana Vaid, Marissa Valenzuela, Iris Chan
Tools–
Figma, Adobe InDesign
Skills–
Affinity diagrams, Persona & Storyboard Building, Stakeholder Interviews and User Testing, Iterative Design, Protoyping, Wireframing
CONTEXT.
The Problem–
During a time of a global pandemic, especially one with the magnitude and novelty of COVID-19, there is nothing more vital than being properly informed about this disease in every way, shape, and form we can be. That being said, our team noticed a disconnect amongst vulnerable demographics between evidence based recommendations that officials communicate and the credibility of the information vulnerable people are receiving. We set out to design a solution for how can we ensure that folks are receiving correct and accurate information especially in regards to a topic that is so crucial.
Inspiration-
It was at this point in time the world was heavily in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. My team wanted to combat the circulation of fake and false news because with a topic so new and important, false information could essentially be fatal. We were specifically inspired by the fact that we all had older family members who get much of their information relayed to them through Facebook. Facebook is an overall great platform with billions of users and it makes it easy to share information to others. Anyone can post anything and share it to their thousands of friends. That being said, it is easy and common for inaccurate information to circulate and be at the fingertips of folks that lack the ability to differentiate whether or not an that information is credible or not. Older folks specifically are that of more vulnerable demographics when it comes to any sort pandemic and so it is crucial that they receive accurate information. However despite Up 2 Date being made under the influence of COVID-19, it can very much be applicable post pandemic life, as fake news will perpetually find a way to circulate.
USER RESEARCH.
Design Model / Affinity Diagram-
Our team first began with an affinity diagram. We laid out our initial understanding to kickstart the brainstorming process. Our affinity diagram contains 6 primary groups and allows us to take stock of what we already know and organize our thoughts.
Personas-
Jessica,
25 year old RN who is overworked and overwhelmed with the high volume of COVID patients-- many of which are unaware of how to correctly protect themselves.
Cindy,
62 year old mother of two adult children and immigrant from Taiwan. She gets her news primarily from WeChat and Facebook.
Matthew,
34 year old project manager who is very frustrated with the circulation of fake news. He has many conversation with his friends and realizes they have a lot of false information.
Storyboards-
At this point in our design process, we were still unsure exactly in what direction we wanted to go but knew our objective was to deliver a type of app that in some way make receiving news more accessible.
An app that summarizes the important parts of an article while simultaneously excluding any opinionated pieces of it.
An app that allows you to paste a link and it translates the article into a desired language.
DESIGN PROCESS.
Features–
Sign up
Survey for user that allows for their personalized news catered just for them and their interests
01.
Different features/tabs
Top News: general news; what is popular and trending
Most Recent: News chronologically sorted
My News: curated news for the user which they were able to personalized to their liking when they signed up
Search Tab: Users can search for specific topics/news sources/articles
Settings: Basic account settings + the ability to change and edit their news preferences
02.
Article Display
At the top of the article lay different icons with different functions and meanings. It has a brief caption on what each icons means. Towards the end of the article is where a more in depth description of what those icons mean in regards to the scan of the article. In this specific example, Up 2 Date found that this article was credibly sourced, it has a neutral tone, and it is not opinionated. Users also have the option to learn more about how this data is calculated.
03.
Thought Process~
As an assignment of the course that this project was for, we were prompted to watch Steve Selzer’s Design for Friction Ted Talk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_5jwgc0GOk). Here he explained the importance of designing for friction. In other words—“when we remove all friction, we remove opportunities for meaningful connection and personal growth” (Steve Selzer). He used an example of apps like UberEats/Postmates vs. subscription services Blue Apron/Hello Fresh. Apps like uber eats provide instant gratification in the way they deliver your meal ready to eat. However, subscription services like Blue Apron provide for the same purpose, delivering food, but leaves room for friction/personal growth— the consumer is provided ingredients but has to make the meal themselves. Both services essentially provide the same thing, food, but these subscription services require it’s consumers with extra steps that provide for that meaningful friction and personal growth.
Motivated by this design perspective, my team and I wanted to embody this ideal in our app. Rather than strictly giving our users unbiased and unopinionated news articles, we instead wanted to provide our users with all and any news articles but with added information on the article’s tone. By approaching our design through this angle, our users are exposed to just about anything. But with additional details on the articles angle, users can make their own assessment and have room to develop their own point of views. Thus, as designers we are leaving room for their own personal growth by providing knowledge on the articles agenda, but at the same time not limiting their exposure to different news outlets.
First Iteration Prototype-
Second Iteration Protoype-
REFLECTION.
What I Learned–
Design Skills!
During the development of Up 2 Date, I learned about all the different steps and components that make up the user experience and interaction design process. These processes and steps include: affinity diagrams, personas, story boards, iterative design, prototyping and wireframing, and stakeholder interviews. I also used design tools such as Adobe InDesign and Figma. I learned that there is a lot of prep and research involved before even getting on Figma and designing the interface. I also got to experience the fact that design is never a “one and done” but rather a repetitive process because there is always an affordance on a design that lacked a clear signifier because it didn’t translate from the designer to the user the way we thought it would. There is always room for improvement and I have found joy in the tedious attention to detail that design calls for. Design is a space where my perfectionist habits can flourish because my meticulous tendencies will ultimately not only make for a better design but will benefit my user.
Adaptive Collaboration!
Due to COVID, my team was forced to work together remotely. This was my first group project that I had ever completed without ever physically meeting my team members so it was safe to say I was a bit apprehensive and unsure on how it would pan out. Nonetheless it forced me to adapt to the circumstances that were and learn how to further improve my communication skills. This would be beneficial to me not only in future classes and projects, but as a professional as well. There are many UX/UI positions today that are completely remote, and with my experience through navigating this project, I am confident that I am flexible and equipped for remote work if that is ever needed on my part.
Thanks for reading =)