An App that helps young voters build their ballot by providing customized information based on their stances.
The Problem
The turnout rate for young people (18–30) voting is far lower than any other age group. There are many reasons for this, they feel their vote doesn’t matter, unreliable information and not enough representation.
The Solution
I created an aid that would help voters navigate each election easily by providing information on each candidate’s stances, how they align with the voter and their voting record to hold them accountable for what they say.
The Goal
I would like voters to see there is always someone that can represent them well, even if not perfectly. As well as provide enough information so the voter goes into the booth feeling confident in their choice.
The app displays a lot of information to sift through. To help the user digest the information quickly I chose a limited color palette that placed the emphasis on the information.
RESEARCH
My process started with mind maps. I researched reasons people vote and don’t vote. I also listed single words that related to my main question and audience to see the connections. As I was making these connections, I realized they were starting to form groups around 6 words that helped me realize what was important.
DESIGN PROCESS
During my research, I started on a name for my app, after a long list I narrowed it down to 3. Stance was the final choice because of its meaning. Although its meaning wasn’t as obvious as Balloter, or had a direct relation to politics as Polity did. I thought stance held the essence of what the app was about. It’s about the voters and their standing on the issues.
Once I decided on the name I started sketching, I was most drawn to the circles because they could form an S but also referenced selection on a ballot. I incorporated the red and blue for our two parties and the gray for the undecided. It eventually formed a gradient, because people’s stances aren’t just red or blue, they exist on a large spectrum.