Stories and Explainer Tool Kit Guidance
Ibrahim Sayed and Hanyue Shi
Digital Equity Storytelling as UX Storytelling
UX storytelling is a powerful way to talk about the real problems users face, making it more engaging and leading to better designs. Unlike other forms of storytelling, a UX story is not a fabrication, but rather a reflection of real-life experiences that users have with systems and services. UX storytelling can effectively communicate the actual issues users encounter, helping us understand them better and make meaningful improvements in our designs. Thus, UX storytelling can make important contributions to Digital Equity Storytelling.
This toolkit is a resource that guide to help students and others in effectively telling more complicated user stories that are typical of Digital Equity in the UX style. The guidance are divided into several sections, includes ‘Preparing to Tell a Digital Equity Story’, ‘Possible Tools That Can Help You Tell a Human-Centered Digital Equity Story’, ‘Key Aspects of Telling Equity Stories’ and ‘What’s next’. In this way, we hope to help studentsto convey more intricate user stories with confidence and to inspire them to use their storytelling skills to raise awareness about the importance of Digital Equity.
Preparing to Tell a Digital Equity Story
This section helps students to understand the concept of digital equity and its impact on society. Overall, this section helps you understand the what, why, and how.
Find out about digital equity
Digital equity ensures that individuals and communities have the information and technology capacity that is needed for full participation in the society and economy of the United States. Various programs and initiatives help to foster digital equity to promote the well-being and support of individuals and communities, such as NDIA, and the National Skills Coalition. The story will communicate this mission and values in a compelling way, by framing it within the context of the target audience's experience.
Who is responsible for creating the story and who is the intended audience?
A story can be created by anyone involved in the design process, including designers, practitioners, and even stakeholders. The audience for these stories can be anyone related to this project. By sharing these stories with a wider audience, designers and developers can help build empathy for users and ensure that everyone involved in the project is working toward the common goal of creating a relevant, effective user experience. This can also help potential donors and supporters understand the vision and goals, and connect with the importance of the work being done.
Cultivate an Open Mind Set
Before creating a successful UX-style story, it is important to cultivate an open mindset; also, we should develop empathy. Strive to be receptive and understanding toward the needs and experiences of users. Empathize with their experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of their perspective. By preparing yourself mentally in these ways, you can be better equipped to create a compelling and impactful UX-style story.
Possible Tools That Help To Tell a Human-Centered Digital Equity Story
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Persona Templates provide a structured format to capture key information about the target audience, such as demographics, behaviors, preferences, pain points, and aspirations.
Example: www.Canva.com and Figma
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Story Mapping Tools help in creating a visual representation of our audience journey by organizing thier stories into a hierarchical structure.
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Empathy Mapping Tools typically consist of a canvas divided into quadrants, representing different aspects of the our audience experience. These quadrants could be how our audience think, fell, say and do about their equality stories. https://miro.com/templates/empathy-map/
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Design Thinking Frameworks encourage an iterative and human-centered approach to problem-solving, emphasizing collaboration, empathy, and continuous learning. It usually consists of the following stages, empathize, define, ideate, prototype and test.
Examples of these tools include Miro and Mural www.Miro.com and www.mural.com .
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As a group of students work together in crafting the storytelling, By leveraging Feedback and Collaboration Tools, they can enhance communication, promote collaboration, and facilitate a seamless feedback loop, ultimately leading to having more efficient and successful story elements.
Quantitative and qualitative data about the group of users.
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Also known visual personas, are a form of persona representation that utilizes video or audiovisual content to bring the story to life. Using video to let users talk and point to their needs. The story will be told by compiling these videos. A video persona increases engagement with the audience and makes the story more trustworthy. There are alot of tools that can help in creating these videos like, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro and iMovie.
Professional video editing software | Adobe Premiere Pro
Be Human- Centered
UX-style user stories should be human-centered and consider users' diverse needs, backgrounds, and experiences. Considering the diversity of users is crucial for creating inclusive and accessible experiences. According to Dr.Ross, different people have different ways of learning. Almost everyone has a smartphone, but people have different strategies for learning to use it. Some people read the manual to learn how to use it, Some learn from friends, and Some play with it to discover. So every person has a unique way of learning new things, which is usually related to their diverse backgrounds, and we need to know and be aware of this diversity. Successful UX storytelling relies on a deep understanding and Knowledge of users' needs. Dr. Ross states this Knowledge could be generated by building trust and listening to people by talking with them face to face and letting them introduce themselves and their backgrounds, which is essential to identify how they learn.
There is a variety of storytelling tools have been developed that might be useful in developing a Ux storytelling.
Components of a Strong Digital Equity Story
Have a clear design focus
Having a strong design-oriented focus can help to develop digital equity story. For example, when writing about digital equity, you might put a design focus on any aspect of digital equity, such as access to the internet or devices, affordability of needed services, different types of digital literacy (e.g., online privacy, safety, applying for a job, staying in touch with family, etc). Just as in other forms of design research, a more specific focus will likely be more helpful than a less specific one. So exploring, for example, affordability in relation to specific user need such as access to education or health care will likely yield a more informative story than a general focus on access. Because digital systems and services thread through all aspects of modern life, a digital equity story might be found at the intersection of equity and almost any area of modern life.
Use a Hook (how to start the story)
In traditional storytelling, a hook is a narrative technique that engages readers, viewers, or listeners from the beginning. In the context of UX storytelling, the concept remains similar, although it is focused on engaging users with the user interface and overall user experience. It serves as an opening that grabs their attention. The hook also sets the tone and creates an emotional connection, making the readers more likely to stay engaged and interested.
The narrative
In crafting a narrative for UX storytelling, the primary goal is to create a positive and engaging experience right from the start. Compelling narrative into the user experience, UX storytelling can enhance engagement, motivate users to explore further, and ultimately create a more enjoyable and meaningful interaction with the product or service. Utilizing a narrative template can be helpful in structuring and organizing the storytelling efforts. The template provides a general structure for the storytelling's narrative, so it needs to be adapted and modified to suit the specific goals and users. An example of the narrative template: https://www.storyboardthat.com/create/storytelling-templates
Interactive Components gallery
To engage readers with a story, incorporating interactive graphics, slide shows, compelling text, images, and videos can be highly effective. These elements enhance the storytelling experience and capture readers' attention.
Quotes
Adding quotes can be a powerful way to support UX storytelling. Quotes from users, experts, or relevant sources can provide credibility, emotional impact, and a personal perspective. The quotes could be seamlessly integrated into the narrative, providing context and relevance to the story.
General steps for Integrating these Components
To ensure a cohesive and engaging narrative in UX storytelling, it is important to follow and pay attention to the flow of the story and make sure every component used aligns to this flow. Review the components used and identify any elements that might distract or confuse the reader.
Key Aspects of Telling Equity Stories
Insights from the Experts
To compile this guidance on good Digital Equity UX storytelling, we conducted interviews with several experts in the field. These experts provided valuable insights and perspectives on the best practices for creating impactful narratives that address digital equity challenges.
Dr. Ross Terry
Dr. Ross Terry, with a Doctorate from the University of Washington in Educational and Communication Technology, has been dedicated to teaching others how to use technology effectively for learning and communication. In the area of digital equity and goodwill, Dr. Terry serves as the vice president of the anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion department at Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier region. With 30 to 40 years of experience in equity and inclusion work, he has likely made significant contributions to promoting fairness and inclusivity in various contexts. Dr. Ross's volunteer work in educating people in the K-12 system and conducting community workshops on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics is a testament to his dedication and commitment to fostering a more inclusive society.
Doug Parray
Doug Parray, as an assistant Director for Content at the University of Washington Information School since 2015, likely plays a crucial role in developing and managing content related to information studies.
Mira Shah
Mira Shah, a User Experience Researcher at Stripe and formerly at Microsoft, has a background that includes working with people with disabilities. By focusing on user experience research, Mira Shah likely helps design products and services that meet the diverse needs and preferences of users.
TOP TAKEAWAYS FROM OUR INTERVIEWS WITH STORING EXPERTS
Digital Equity Storytelling' can benefit from UX Storytelling Techniques.
Our interviewees agreed that UX storytelling can be a compelling way to convey to the audience the most complicated stories about digital equity.
Attend to the process of crafting your Digital Equity UX story. Crafting digital equity UX story involves intentionally addressing the unique challenges and opportunities associated with digital equity. By understanding the context, needs, and aspirations of individuals who face digital equity challenges, we can create a narrative that raises awareness, promotes inclusion, and inspires action towards a more equitable digital future. Mira Shah defined the UXstorytelling, “ UX storytelling is how you bring all of your evidence and insights and data to life."
Make the end result engaging for the audience. The goal of storytelling, as discussed by multiple interviewees, is to create a good UX-style story that effectively engages and interacts with the reader.
Good digital equity storytelling serves as a powerful tool to counter biases.By fostering empathy, understanding, and a commitment to equitable access, these stories can contribute to a more inclusive and unbiased digital landscape.
Methods and Techniques for crafting UX stories. Our interviewees have a variety of methods to craft compelling UX storytelling that encourages the audience to interact and engage with it. Doug Parry emphasized how using the Interactive Components gallery in storytelling can engage the audience with the story. The interactive Components gallery includes (slide shows, interactive graphics, good text, images, or videos). Mara Shah grabbed our attention for the importance of using video persons and quotes in crafting the storytelling.
Key Advice for crafting digital equity Impactful UX Storytelling.
Our interviewees provide us with helpful pieces of advice to reach our goal of crafting excellent UX storytelling.
To have a solid story, we must meet, listen, and dig into people's stories to learn them". Dr. Ross states, "People don't know what they don't know or missing."
Asking good research questions that help people talk and explain their needs. Always ask the hard questions at the end of our meeting with them.
It would be good to emphasize the pain points or successes of the group instead of just telling one individual's story.
Stories should be told using plain/accessible language that everyone can understand.
Unraveling the Challenges of Digital Equity
During the interviews, our expert interviewees shared their experiences and insights, revealing the unique and complex nature of digital equity storytelling in comparison to traditional UX storytelling. They highlighted several challenges that arise when addressing digital equity through storytelling. Here are some of the key challenges discussed:
People are unaware of the things they lack knowledge about and the opportunities they are missing out on. Before people can inquire about possessing technology, it is necessary for them to recognize its significance. According to Dr.Ross, many people who do not use the internet and do not do online services only know they need this connection once they get and use it and discover how having devices and an internet connection helps them save time and effort. In these circumstances, UX storytelling techniques might not be that helpful, and other ways of crafting the story and conveying the story may be needed.
Bias against technology. People (especially older people) are afraid to make mistakes when using technology/devices. According to an example from Dr. Ross, people believe using technology and devices containing personal information can lead to losing their identity and having serious consequences, so they avoid using anything related to technology.
The varying levels of digital literacy among different user groups. According to Dr.Ross, there are disparities in digital literacy skills among different user groups. Some individuals may be highly proficient in using digital technologies, while others may have limited knowledge and experience.
Unraveling the Challenges of Digital Equity
During the interviews, our expert interviewees shared their experiences and insights, revealing the unique and complex nature of digital equity storytelling in comparison to traditional UX storytelling. They highlighted several challenges that arise when addressing digital equity through storytelling. Here are some of the key challenges discussed:
People are unaware of the things they lack knowledge about and the opportunities they are missing out on. Before people can inquire about possessing technology, it is necessary for them to recognize its significance. According to Dr.Ross, many people who do not use the internet and do not do online services only know they need this connection once they get and use it and discover how having devices and an internet connection helps them save time and effort. In these circumstances, UX storytelling techniques might not be that helpful, and other ways of crafting the story and conveying the story may be needed.
Bias against technology. People (especially older people) are afraid to make mistakes when using technology/devices. According to an example from Dr. Ross, people believe using technology and devices containing personal information can lead to losing their identity and having serious consequences, so they avoid using anything related to technology.
The varying levels of digital literacy among different user groups. According to Dr.Ross, there are disparities in digital literacy skills among different user groups. Some individuals may be highly proficient in using digital technologies, while others may have limited knowledge and experience.
Storytelling techniques
Get to know some of the UX-style storytelling techniques. The following provides a description of what scenarios we might use in the storytelling process to generate stories more effectively.
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User personas are fictional characters that represent the target audience for the product or service. They help designers to understand the user's needs, goals, and pain points. Start by creating one or more user personas to represent the target audience. Video personas: Filming of people's stories. And then put together these video personas to reflect the complete story.
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User scenarios are narratives that describe how a user interacts with a product or service. They are used to understand how users use the product or service in different situations. Use the user personas to develop different user scenarios that capture their needs and goals.
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Storyboards are visual representations of a user scenario. They help designers to communicate the user's experience in a more engaging way. Use the user scenarios to create storyboards that depict the key stages of the user's journey. Use simple sketches and annotations to describe what is happening at each stage.
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Multimedia can be used to enhance the UX-style story and make it more engaging. Consider using images, videos, or animations to illustrate the user's experience. For example, you could use a video to show how the user interacts with the product or service, or an animation to show how a feature works.
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Refine the UX-style story through multiple iterations, using feedback from other designers or stakeholders to improve its effectiveness. Use multimedia to refine the visual and emotional impact of the story.
By using some of these techniques, designers can make a cool ux style story that tells you what it's like to use this service or product. The user personas and scenarios help to create a clear understanding of the user's needs, while the storyboards and multimedia help to make the story engaging and memorable. They can keep working on the story by using these techniques multiple times until it's best!
Phrasing and tone
Use an engaging tone. Engage the audience by using a tone style that captivates their attention. The tone should be friendly and conversational as if you're talking to a friend. Overall, it should be easy to follow and fun to read, so that it keeps the reader interested from beginning to end.
Avoid using fancy or technical terms that might confuse the reader. When writing UX-style storytelling, it's important to use simple and clear language that everyone can understand.
It's better to use active voice instead of passive voice to make the story more interesting and engaging.
Use examples that the audience can easily visualize to make the reader better resonate with our project.
Provide a solid foundation of background information about the people and their environment. Provide relevant context to help the audience understand the significance of the story and its elements. (Introduce key concepts or provide a brief overview of the subject matter to set the stage for the narrative.)
What to highlight
What to highlight
Highlighting the most emotionally resonant and relatable content
During the actual story-telling, the narrator should connect with the reader on a personal level and create a strong emotional response. For example, if you're telling a story about a person using a product, you might want to highlight the frustrations they experienced before using the product and how it helped to solve their problems. By making the story relatable and emotional, you can capture the reader's attention and keep them engaged throughout the narrative. The goal is to create a memorable experience that resonates with the reader and encourages them to take action.
Highlighting the explanations for the complex concepts
Throughout the narrative process, we need to ensure that the complex concepts and technical details are presented in a clear and accessible manner for the audience. (It should include using clear language, consisting of terminologies, or/and Adding definitions for specific Digital Equity terms)
Highlighting thought-provoking content
Highlighting thought-provoking content
The narrator could highlight the future possibilities by concluding the narrative by painting a picture of the future possibilities and potential long-term impact of using technology. Illustrate how the characters' lives or experiences are transformed positively over time.
Make sure the narrator highlights the needs of a diverse group of people, rather than a single individual.
What’s next?
After a UX-style story is presented, how do we know if it's successful? What are the things we can keep tracking?
One of the most effective ways to keep track of the outcome of our story, we can try to gather feedback from the audience. If your audience for the story is internal stakeholders of the project, you can directly conduct interviews or surveys to gather their feedback. If you are posting the story on any social media platform, you can keep track of the data such as page views, time spent on the page, bounce rates, click-through rates, social media shares, and comments.
For instance:
Gather data on user behavior within the story. Heatmaps can show where users are clicking or engaging the most, helping identify popular sections and potential areas of improvement. We can use this data to determine whether users engage with the story as intended and navigate through it smoothly.
Track return visits: Track whether users are returning to the story at a later time. Repeat visits demonstrate that the story has a lasting impact and continues to engage users over time.
By analyzing these data, you can gain insights into how users are interacting with the story and whether it is effectively engaging them. Overall, in order to ensure the success and effectiveness of our project, it is essential to actively seek and incorporate user feedback. It provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our strategies, approaches, and designs, and helps to make necessary improvements.
Meet the Team
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Ibrahim Sayed
Collaborator
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Hanyue Shi
Collaborator
References
1. H.R.3684 – 117th Congress (2021–2022): Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 2021
2.Miro. (n.d.). Design Thinking Frameworks. Retrieved 2023, from https://www.miro.com
3.Adobe Premiere Pro. (n.d). Professional Video Editing Software. Retrieved 2023, from https://filmora.wondershare.net/filmora-video-editor.html
4.Storyboardthat.(n.d). Storytelling templates. Retrieved 202, from https://www.storyboardthat.com/create/storytelling-templates