Vox Media
An interactive learning tool around language usage and narrative framing
Brief
I was approached by Vox Media to create a tool to inform journalists on how to approach language and framing on coverage of communities and identities. This project is part of their larger Language, Please↗︎Opens new window initiative — a free, living resource for journalists and storytellers seeking to thoughtfully cover evolving social, cultural, and identity-related topics.
Role
Project lead and designer in a team of two designers and one strategist
Company
XXIX
Discovery
One of the challenges in the project is the short timeline — we had about two months from concept to deployment. To faciliate alignment on the core user experience and features, I created site maps, wireframes, and clickthrough prototypes to illustrate a wide range of design explorations. I worked closely with the developer to understand technical implications and together with Vox identified our priorities.
Editing feature
The editing feature is designed prioritizing accessibility and usability. With that in mind, we decided to dissect a passage into “chunks” rather than allowing free-from selection to give users a more guided experience and allow them to focus on providing reasons for their edits. When users hover or tap through a story, they can easily see the possible options and make their selection.
Reviewing feature
I developed an intuitive visual system to showcase user and Language, Please’s selections in different scenarios. Identity and language is dynamic, as is language. It was important that the visual approach does not mislead users to think that there is an absolute, or right vs wrong answer. In the review mode, users can select and review their edits and the suggested edits, learn more through extended readings, and toggle to show a “cleaned” version of the passage with edits incorporated.
Expanding visual identity
I expanded on the limited design assets provided to create an engaging and approachable visual identity.
Takeaway
A selection of additional resources are provided to users to learn more about inclusive reporting.
“Edit, Please is a good reminder to pause and think of better ways to describe things instead of using terms frequently used in the media.”
— Participant from user research
Scalable design system & CMS
Perspective on language and framing changes over time, I created a scalable design system to accommodate new content and features. I collaborated closely with the developer to create a CMS for editors at Vox to continue iterating on the tool.
Continued iteration
We are working with Vox to iterate on the product after positive reception and feedback from qualitative research (to launch in late 2025), these include UX improvement and new feature explorations.