prototype
The plugin, represented by a flashlight icon, signifies our effort to ‘shed light’ on the truth and help users navigate the widespread misinformation during local elections.
plugin status types
With the widespread issue of misinformation and lack of reliable information during local elections, this project aims to develop a tool that provides quick and accurate information fact-checking.
The project aims to empower voters through informed voting habits by allowing them to access reliable local election information and reduce misinformation's impact.
→ View this case study in Figma
Work type
Group project
Timeline
6 weeks
Tools used
Figma
SPSS
Microsoft Forms
Project roles
Content copywriting
Website wireframing
Product prototyping
Primary research
Qualitative research analysis
Report editor
Presentation
Goal 1: Explore whether access to candidate information impacts election outcomes.
Goal 2: Encourage informed voting behaviour.
Goal 3: Find out if being more confident (informed) about candidates makes people more inclined to vote or if it has the opposite effect.
Discovered which media best informs voters about local elections, using Microsoft Forms for easy access and distribution.The initial analysis was conducted using Microsoft Forms' built-in analytics features. For a more in-depth understanding, SPSS was utilised to interpret the data more comprehensively.
Insight 1
The limited access to comprehensive candidate information affects the overall awareness of voters. This, in turn, creates difficulty in effectively identifying misinformation, further complicating the decision-making process. However, from the voter's end, there is a prevalent lack of motivation to verify information they come across, creating a cycle of complacency.
Findings 1, 3 & 6 // Survey findings 3 & 6
“I think that people who don't vote and say that, Oh, my vote won't count is very ignorant. If everyone says that then nobody would vote at all.” E22
Insight 2
Slacker Activism or passive engagement shows that despite the voters' desire for change, individuals may still look towards their social connection's opinions to validate or influence their voting choices. This search for social validation from others with share similar views contributes to the cycle of confirmation bias.
Findings 2, 5, 12 & 13 // Survey findings 2 & 6
“I guess I'll just piggyback because I don't really have the time, energy or inclination to do any of my own research.” C18
Insight 3
With the evolving landscape of political communication and the younger generation both entering politics and gaining the ability to vote, local government candidates are encouraged to become social media savvy. While participants access a variety of media for information consumption, the shift to digital platforms has been embraced. By local election candidates engaging and building a relationship with the community through social media, the voters' desire for easily accessible and transparent information is recognised.
Findings 4, 7, 10 & 11 // Survey findings 4 & 7
“I will (vote) out of principle, even if I don't have a great informed opinion, I will still try. Because if you don’t vote, then you can't really complain about things.” A29
Insight 4
While individual voters may feel distrust towards local government and are sceptical that their singular vote will bring significant change, it is understood that combined with the votes of others, collectively they can represent and address the community to create positive change.
Findings 8, 12 & 13
Idea 1: Addition of a dedicated local elections page to the policy.co.nz website.
Idea 2: Something physical to carry - a modification of the pamphlet produced by the Wellington City Council.
Idea 3: Something physical to carry - a modification of the pamphlet produced by the Wellington City Council.
A verification tool inspired by Grammarly and PolitiFact website, to counter misinformation, and aims to reduce misleading information. By verifying the information with policy.co.nz users can perceive us more positively and trustworthy by utilising investigative journalism.
As more voters turn to social media for political information, we can engage them with reliable content on a platform they are comfortable using.
