Role
Lead UX Researcher, Product Development, UX Designer
Project Type
UX Research
Duration
3 months
Tools Used
Figma, XD, UX Tweak and Front-End Coding
In the realm of digital design, every innovation, every tweak, every button has the potential to transform someone's experience. As a UX Researcher and Designer, I embarked on a journey to reshape the accessibility landscape of Reddit. It was notice that Reddit, a bustling hub of discussions, shared interests, and communities, was facing a significant challenge: its content was not easily accessible to users with visual impairments and situational disabilities. This presented a golden opportunity to infuse inclusivity into the heart of Reddit's interface.
The Problem
Content on Reddit is not accessible for user with visual impairments and situational disabilities. They have to use third party screen readers to read the text posts on Reddit. The app does not allow the users to zoom in or out of the text on its mobile version which makes it harder for users to change the font size according to their reading preferences.
The Solution
Adding a text-to-speech feature would make Reddit a lot more accessible for people with visual disabilities. There are multiple features that can be included on the app for targeted users such as content format convertors, transcribing the content into texts, higher contrast, and less pop-up advertisements.
The Design Challenge
Adding a text-to-speech feature for the text posts on Reddit to make it accessible for users with visual impairments and situational disabilities.
Discovery: Understanding the User and the Problem
To truly grasp the nuances of the issue, I delved into the world of Reddit users through comprehensive research.
Insights received from Open Discussions and interviews
Mapping Constraints
By delving into the challenges faced by users within these constraints, I aimed to uncover opportunities for design improvements that would make navigating Reddit a more inclusive and seamless experience.I conducted an Accessibility Audit of Reddit's interface, focusing on elements such as color contrast, typography, navigation, and keyboard interactions. This audit helped identify existing accessibility barriers. Additionally, User Surveys were distributed to a diverse user base, soliciting feedback on their interactions with Reddit. This quantitative data collection method helped identify common patterns and trends in users' experiences.
Common Reasons for Design Decisions
In the exploration of retrofitting Reddit for enhanced accessibility, an essential aspect involves delving into the common reasons underlying design decisions on the platform. By understanding the context and motivations driving these decisions, I was better able to navigate the path towards implementing effective accessibility improvements while preserving the platform's core functionalities.
Insights and Ideation
Armed with insights, the ideation phase took flight. The ideation phase marks a pivotal stage in the journey of retrofitting Reddit for improved accessibility. Drawing inspiration from user insights, industry best practices, and creative design thinking, the ideation process sets the groundwork for crafting a more inclusive and user-centric Reddit experience.
User Personas
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Context Scenario
The practice of mapping out Context Scenarios as a bridge between theory and practical implementation in the Reddit retrofitting research. Here, I dove into specific usage scenarios, providing contextual insights into how users interact with the platform.
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How Might We Table (HMW)
The "How Might We" (HMW) Table section serves as a springboard for innovation within the framework of the Reddit retrofitting research. In this section, I distilled the identified constraints and challenges into actionable questions that spark creative problem-solving.
Research Question 1:
How do blind people and people with low vision use Reddit?
Research Question 2:
What types of better features do they need?
KWHL Table
In this section I used a KWHL table to reflect on what I know, what I want to learn, how I can approach the challenges, and what I've ultimately learned. Through this structured framework, I navigated the landscape of knowledge acquisition and application to make informed decisions as I embarked on the path of enhancing accessibility and user experience on Reddit.
Spradley Matrix
The Spradley Matrix introduces a structured approach to understanding the different dimensions of communication and interaction within the Reddit retrofitting research. By employing this method, I gained comprehensive insights into how users interact with Reddit.
Design Requirements
The Design Requirements section, I outlined the essential criteria that will drive the transformation of the platform's accessibility and user experience. By distilling user needs, constraints, I laid the foundation for a structured design approach that ensures every solution is aligned with the overarching goal of making Reddit a more inclusive and user-friendly space for all.
User Journey Map
Through this map, I gained insight into the user's perspective, tracing their interactions, pain points, and moments of delight as they navigate the platform. This section adds a human dimension to the research, enabling me to empathize with users and pinpoint opportunities for transformative enhancements that align with their journey.
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Designing with Purpose: Lo-Fi Prototypes
In the first iterations, I added a microphone button and a speaker button. This enabled me to incorporate the text-to-speech feature for posts and speech-to-text feature for adding comments to a post. I did not make any major changes to the layout or Ui of the application apart from adding the two buttons. The buttons were added on the side of the screen so that it would be easier for users to interact with without having to move their fingers from their mobile devices.
User Testing
The low fidelity prototype was tested by a user in an informal study. They were shown the low fidelity prototype as asked to identify the icons and if they could name them. They were then asked about the visual appearance and overall placement of icons on the website.
The following are their reviews:
The following are their reviews:
- There are too many icons under the posts
- It is a bit cluttered
- Not a lot of space, and might click wrong button by mistake
- Don't think there is a need for all the icons
Concluding the test, changes were made to the prototype and the high fidelity wireframe. The speech-to-text convertor icon was removed since there was no need for it on the homepage where the user will just need to read a post, or listen to it.
Building the Idea
Once the low fidelity prototype was ready, I started on making a mid-fidelity version, a style guide and conducted Web Accessibility Tests. I worked on the Ui design of the new version in accordance with the existing reddit style guide to incorporate the new feature.
Mid-Fidelity Prototypes
Introducing Reddit Text-to-Speech Feature!
High Fidelity Prototype
View a walkthrough of the feature
HERE
Key Takeaways: Empowering Design
Integrate Knowledge into Design
I learned how to integrate knowledge of systems thinking, design planning, industry roles, digital tools, and the application development environment into the design processes to create design solutions. While making the pseudo code and wireframes.
Developed Research Skills
I have grown a lot as a researcher and a designer after this project. It helped me grow into an insightful researcher who considers all types of problems a user might encounter before making a final version of any application or website.
Bridge Business and Service into Design
After reviewing the research, I have grown a keen sense of understanding the system of which a service and/or feature is part of and being able to integrate business requirements into my design process.
Define Design Solutions
I have developed the skills needed to being able to define a design process and apply the design solutions and use multiple methods of documentation in all stages of a project.
Other Projects
Product Design
Swimfit App
Experience Design
Stingray Encounter
Let's work together!
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