The Problem Statement

How can technology be used to prevent algorithmic polarization, and encourage genuine discourse, specifically within the context of civic engagement?

Research! I did research. Here is a quick overview of the research I did (and am continuing to do)

• Subject Matter Expert qualitative interviews with:

  • The Communications Director at a local organization focused on economic policy work in King County and Washington State

  • Local community leaders and community organizers

• I attended virtual hearings through Washington’s legislative website to hear testimony from Washingtonians on particular bills and legislative initiatives

• Explored Washington and King County websites for existing resources

  • Accessing the Legislature Remotely

  • Washington State Legislature

  • Legislative Information Center

• Observed the ways existing social media platforms have been used as a tool for mutual aid and community building, as well as conflict and harm.

My design solution — feature walkthrough

Further research questions

• Does it need to be an app? Or is there another way the UX framework could be applied to support/accelerate existing grassroots community-building and policy-making efforts?

• Is there a blockchain use-case here? to ensure that those participating are in fact community members in their respective locales (city, state, etc.), while also maintaining a level of privacy for participant safety. Digital identity is one of the sectors being developed within the blockchain realm.

• Gamification? I wonder if there is a way to encourage participation on the platform in the real world.

  • Scan a QR code to figure out which district your favorite basketball hoop is in - idk just an idea

  • Have the background photos in the Timeline come from a database of photos taken by community members

    • Hashtag your photos on Unsplash with #townhalltimelinepics and we might just use it! or something…