Responsive App for local civic engagement
Onslow Engage is a mobile application designed to foster civic engagement and participation within the Onslow County community. The app serves as a comprehensive platform, providing users with up-to-date information on local political activities, upcoming elections, and community issues.
- Project Type: UX
- Date: October, 2023
- Role: Lead UX Designer & Researcher, Conducting research and interviews, preparing surveys, prototyping, usability studies, responsive design
The Problem
Residents of Onslow County, particularly younger adults, face challenges in accessing clear and unbiased information about local politics, leading to low civic engagement and voter turnout in local elections. Onslow Engage aims to address this gap by providing a user-friendly platform that demystifies local political processes, encourages informed participation, and fosters a sense of community involvement
The Goal
Onslow Engage aims to demystify the world of local politics, making information more accessible and understandable. By empowering residents with knowledge and tools, the app strives to increase voter turnout, encourage civic responsibility, and foster a connected and engaged community
Research
Our user research focused on understanding the civic engagement habits and information needs of residents in Onslow County, North Carolina, particularly targeting younger adults aged 17-30. Through surveys and interviews, we gathered insights on their voting patterns, sources of political information, and the barriers they face in participating in local politics. The findings highlighted a correlation between low engagement in local elections and a lack of accessible, trustworthy information. Many younger residents expressed a desire for a centralized platform to find non-partisan, factual information about local candidates and issues. They also showed interest in features that would notify them of upcoming elections, help locate polling places, and provide clear explanations of state voting laws. The research underscored the need for a solution like Onslow Engage, designed to empower users with the knowledge and tools necessary to actively participate in their local political community.
Wireframes & Mock-ups
Research showed that a major pain point for users was trying to find accurate information for specific issues they were interested in along with ways to get involved quickly. In response we prioritized clear calls to action for specific topics and included a search feature.
Prototypes & Testing
We conducted a usability study with a diverse group of participants from our target audience to evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction of the Onslow Engage app. Participants were asked to complete a series of tasks that covered the main functionalities of the app, including finding information about local political issues, participating in surveys, and navigating through different sections of the app. The study was conducted remotely, and participants interacted with a high-fidelity prototype of the app while sharing their screen and thoughts aloud. We observed their interactions, took notes on any difficulties they encountered, and conducted a short interview at the end of each session to gather qualitative feedback.
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