A Fact Checking Tool to Enhance Election Information Accuracy for Social Media Users
(2024)
(2024)
Team Based Project
Timeline:
5 weeks
5 weeks
The study examined how information availability and preferred media sources influence voting choices, focusing on a solution that helps users rate news accuracy to combat misinformation and support informed political decisions.
The study examined how information availability and preferred media sources influence voting choices, focusing on a solution that helps users rate news accuracy to combat misinformation and support informed political decisions.
Role
Research
Ideation
Prototype
Usability Testing
Research
Ideation
Prototype
Usability Testing
Tools
Figma
Otter.ai
Miro
SPSS
MS Forms
Team
Paulina Ramirez Nicolette Catalan Mai Nguyen
Paulina Ramirez Nicolette Catalan Mai Nguyen
Paulina Ramirez
Nicolette Catalan
Matias Erminyi
Yi-Chin Chyi
Iqa Jamauldin
Julia Zhang
See full case study on desktop.
Background
See full case study on desktop.
News outlets, especially on social media, are primary sources of news, but they often spread misleading information through sensational headlines, impacting public perception, especially in politics. This case study explores the potential of a solution that allows users to rate news accuracy, focusing on political information, to combat misinformation and help users make informed decisions.
Problem Statement
To answer our research question, it is important to explore the impact of candidate information accessibility, and its effects on election outcomes. We do this by investigating whether being better informed about candidates encourages voter turnout or if it has the opposite effect while exploring what sources voters access their information.
Research
We conducted semi-structured interviews with five eligible New Zealand voters to explore their perspectives on local elections and how information accessibility influences their voting decisions. Each 15-20 minute interview was recorded with consent. Additionally, we surveyed over 20 participants via Microsoft Forms to determine the most effective media for voter information. The survey examined the impact of information availability on election outcomes, voter engagement, access to candidate information, understanding of policies, and the effects of information overload. Initial analysis was done using Microsoft Forms, followed by in-depth statistical analysis with SPSS.
Insights
1.
2.
Local government candidates should embrace social media to engage with younger voters and meet their need for accessible information.
3.
Despite individual voters' doubts about their influence, collective action can lead to positive changes in the community.
4.
Voters seeking validation from similar-minded peers may reinforce their biases, despite wanting change.
Fact-checking Tool
Influences of Pre-existing Solutions
Additional Testing
Conducting additional usability tests on any changes is essential. They ensure that the changes and improvements align with the users’ needs and that the modifications effectively and positively enhance navigation and comprehension.
Skip Logic
Implementing skip logic into the “Where to Start” page can be beneficial in improving the website’s content and navigation by hiding irrelevant pages and guiding users to the relevant sections for their situation.
Digital Forms
The Ministry of Justice has started this initiative with their Te Au Reka project, a digital content management system. By introducing digital forms the application process is streamlined, allowing users to submit all necessary forms online and removing the need to print the forms.
How it works
Additional Testing
Conducting additional usability tests on any changes is essential. They ensure that the changes and improvements align with the users’ needs and that the modifications effectively and positively enhance navigation and comprehension.
Skip Logic
Implementing skip logic into the “Where to Start” page can be beneficial in improving the website’s content and navigation by hiding irrelevant pages and guiding users to the relevant sections for their situation.
Digital Forms
The Ministry of Justice has started this initiative with their Te Au Reka project, a digital content management system. By introducing digital forms the application process is streamlined, allowing users to submit all necessary forms online and removing the need to print the forms.
Language Used
Additional Testing
Conducting additional usability tests on any changes is essential. They ensure that the changes and improvements align with the users’ needs and that the modifications effectively and positively enhance navigation and comprehension.
Skip Logic
Implementing skip logic into the “Where to Start” page can be beneficial in improving the website’s content and navigation by hiding irrelevant pages and guiding users to the relevant sections for their situation.
Digital Forms
The Ministry of Justice has started this initiative with their Te Au Reka project, a digital content management system. By introducing digital forms the application process is streamlined, allowing users to submit all necessary forms online and removing the need to print the forms.