User experience design for a better world
“If we wish to bring about fundamental changes, we have to use art and design as our weapon.” This is from an intense conversation portrayed by Om Puri — one of India’s great actors, in a 1984 movie named — Party.
The sentiment rings true in these times too. Many system problems can affect societies on a much larger scale, and easily impact the collective ambition with the sheer magnitude. Historically, these problems were faced off through systems thinking approaches by the political decision-makers, economists, and governing bodies.
This is where user experience design (UX design) comes in. It is all about putting the user, at the core and through the lens of the individual’s experience, designing solutions. UX ensures the solutions consider the motivations, needs, and values of the impacted individuals.
UX design can make a difference in scenarios that can impart a great influence on communities and society.
Here are a few examples where user experience design can influence for the better -
- Elections.
Fresh from the current buzz of the American election scene, a UX designer will say UX design can make the entire experience much better for the people. Take the butterfly ballot design for instance. This design or the lack of it, as a matter of fact, has the capacity to sway the elections for good. Here’s an image illustrating the ‘butterfly ballot’ with misaligned rows featured in the 2000 election in Florida but even the order of candidates’ names can influence voters’ actions.
2. Relief Fund
Another collective impact generated by good design. The PM-CARES fund initiated early in March 2020, is another example of how design can urge the community to come together and contribute to a cause. Making these platforms easily accessible and assuring the contributor to the good use of their pledge.
3. Public transport
The importance of information design in public transport could not be emphasized much. Especially in times of crisis like today, how these systems can adapt and respond well matters the most. Releasing a set of guidelines accessible to all public transport users and assuring them of their safety is of utmost importance.
