the Name
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Before doing any work, we wanted to ensure that an impartial media source was needed in the world. Through net bias scores, we identified that it is needed. Also, we looked at user pain points from current news sources via analyzation through ChatGPT. We then performed a SWOT analysis of high-profile news sources, where we found that an impartial news outlet is a necessity for today's society.

After performing the competitive analysis, we clarified the problem that we are solving with our solution. Still before doing any design, we narrowed down our use cases and design principles that our application would be founded on.

As we started to think about design, we adopted the feature narrative and target flow for our users. After spending some time adapting those, we used Figma to develop the high-fidelity prototype. We have not completed user testing on the first draft but clearly define our next steps.

A visual representation of the platform, including a user flow and wireframes for the main features and pages, and a branding and visual identity for the platform.

Humans are born with a bias. According to the graphic shown, the most popular news organizations in the United States are inherently supporting one side or the other. Not to mention, in the political system, there are more than two sides.

More representation and access to the media would rationally mean that the truth is easier to find. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The world needs a media source that users are able to easily digest the information and not struggle sorting fiction versus non-fiction. Like inferred above, if humans are creating the information, there will be bias.

News and the media has played a huge role in educating society. The resources have not been designated and information is not regulated. We control the data displayed in textbooks so why not the media?

The following are the core problems this product aims to solve:
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Providing accurate and unbiased information
An impartial media source would present accurateand factual information to its audience, without bias or agenda. It strives to presentmultiple sides of an issue and allows readers to make up their own minds based on the evidence presented.

Promoting critical thinking
An impartial media source aims to promote critical thinkingand encourage readers to think for themselves, rather than blindly accepting the viewsof a particular group or ideology.

Providing a platform for diverse voices
An impartial media source will seek to providea platform for diverse voices and perspectives, rather than privileging the viewsof a particular group or ideology.

Holding those in power accountable
An impartial media source will hold thosein power accountable for their actions and decisions, by providing a forum for scrutiny and debate.

Educating and informing the public
An impartial media source will educate and inform the publicabout important issues and events, helping readers to stay informed and make informed decisions.

As cliché as it is, no media source has been created on a pillar of being unbiased.

ABC News
Strength: ABC News has a strong online presence, with a website and social media accounts that are updated regularly with the latest news and information.
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Weakness: ABC News is a large organization, which can make it more difficult to be nimble and responsive to changes in the media landscape.
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Opportunity: The growth of online and digital media offers new opportunities for ABC News to reach and engage with audiences in new ways.
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Threat: The proliferation of fake news and misinformation online presents a significant threat to the credibility and trustworthiness of ABC News.

The Washington Post
Strength: The Washington Post has a large and dedicated team of journalists and editors who work to provide accurate and timely news coverage.
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Weakness: It may have a reputation for being more liberal or progressive, which could limit its appeal to certain audiences.
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Opportunity: Collaborating with other news organizations or leveraging new technologies, such as virtual reality or artificial intelligence, could also present opportunities for innovation and growth.
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Threat: The increasing fragmentation of the media landscape, with the rise of niche and partisan news sources, could make it more difficult for The Washington Post to maintain its broad appeal.

Americans do not have access to an impartial media source that verifies content, promotes stimulating discussion, represents more than the two party political system, or amplifies diverse opinions.

“I need to ensure that this accusation is true.”

“I should do some research on the ethics before I purchase.”

”My professor asked me to write a report based on current events.”

People First
Being transparent and accountable to the audience. This can involve conducting market research to better understand the audience, using that information to guide editorial decisions, and offering diverse perspectives.

Truth
Ensuring that all content is thoroughly researched and fact checked before it is published. This can involve verifying sources, cross-referencing information, and seeking out multiple perspectives to ensure a balanced and fair portrayal of events.

Focus on the Fundamentals
Being open to continuous learning and improvement, and staying up to date on the latest best practices in journalism. This can involve participating in professional development opportunities and keeping abreast of changes in the media landscape.

Onboarding
This phase involves introducing new users to the app and helping them set up their account and preferences. This could include prompts to create a profile, customize notification settings, and select topics of interest.

Content discovery
This phase involves helping users find and access the content they are interested in. This could involve features such as a search function, recommended articles or topics, and personalized content recommendations based on the user's interests.

Content consumption
This phase involves providing a user-friendly interface for reading, watching, or listening to content on the app. This could involve features such as adjustable text size, a dark mode, and the ability to save or share articles.

Audience engagement
This phase involves providing opportunities for users to interact with the media outlet and other users through the app. This could include features such as commenting, sharing, and the ability to save articles for later.

Feedback and support
This phase involves providing users with access to support resources, such as a FAQ or help center, and the ability to provide feedback or report issues with the app.

Continuous improvement
This phase involves using user data and feedback to continually improve and optimize the app's UX. This could involve testing new features or redesigning elements of the interface to make it more user-friendly.

The four main pages that I focused on were the ones displayed. This flow shows the best example of how transparent the platform will be.

Please view the wireframes carefully. They have not been user tested and need to have feedback from a diverse group of users.

The Just Journal is ready for field testing and feedback from potential users. It is unique because the app will need an extra layer of protection in regards to remaining impartial. We want to ensure that our users feel comfortable reading and accessing the information we present. We would need to do the standard round of user interviews talking about usability. On top of that, we would do a more detailed research study with all types of people and looking closely at potential biases. Not to mention that we need an interactive prototype to make all of this possible.