OVERVIEW
During the 2016 presidential election, approximately 138 million Americans voted, according to Business Insider. While this figure appears substantial, it only represented 58.1% of voter turnout. In contrast, past elections, such as in 2008, we saw voter turnout rise to 61.6%. Consequently, the United States ranked 31st out of 35 countries in voter participation during elections.
As we approached the 2020 election, the Pew Research Center offered insight into the demographics that will make the 2020 election distinct. Notably, one in ten eligible voters will be members of Generation Z, representing a significant increase in the 18 to 23 age group within the electorate. Furthermore, nonwhite voters are projected to comprise one-third of eligible voters, with Hispanics expected to emerge as the largest minority group in the electorate.
These significant and diverse demographic predictions underscore the importance of developing a design solution that accommodates all voters to enhance participation in this election and beyond.
APPROACH
PROCESS
I began by developing a future experience storyboard, which enabled me to effectively convey my ideas through the lens of the 5 E's, incorporating actions, channels, and emotions. Following the completion of the storyboard, I established three value propositions for the application. With these foundations in place, I proceeded to the prototyping and testing phases.
TOOLS
Throughout my project, I utilized a range of research tools. Common tools used in this project included, surveys, interviews, wireframing, and prototping. I began by sketching several ideas on paper, followed by the creation of a physical prototype. This was complemented by the development of both low-fidelity and high-fidelity digital prototypes.
METHODS
During user testing, my goal was to gather comprehensive feedback to enhance my designs. I employed various techniques, including A/B testing, card sorting, task analysis, and think-aloud protocols, during the interviews. Utilizing these methods enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of user experiences and identify the necessary improvements.
RESULTS
HOME SCREEN
Welcome, voters! MyElection Trip is an application designed to enhance voter participation for all individuals, whether they are new or experienced. After conducting various tests, we are pleased to present a final version that users have described as organized, clean, simple, and user-friendly. Notably, test users reported that this application integrates seamlessly into the overall voter experience.
INSIGHTS
Throughout the entire process, I gained valuable insights into my users. The first observation was that new voters often lack the confidence to participate due to insufficient education about the electoral process. With little to no information, they fail to grasp the significance of voting.
The second insight from testing revealed that users are often uncertain about which online sources they can trust regarding voting information. While social media serves as a primary source during elections, users struggle to differentiate between credible information and misinformation.
Finally, I found that experienced voters seek a straightforward and efficient app for their needs. They possess a solid understanding of the electoral process but desire reassurance in their voting journey.