Deeproot
AI-Powered Source Comparison
Problem
While the internet offers endless information, it’s difficult to separate fact from bias, especially on social media platforms. Many young adults seeking to learn more about Black history face barriers like:
lack of trust in sources.
A perception that Black history is emotionally taxing.
Difficulty finding resources that align with their learning style.
Solution
DeepRoot aims to solve these challenges by providing:
Source Comparison Tool to help users verify information
A Curated Library of peer-reviewed articles and trusted blogs.
Features tailored to different learning styles, like digestible summaries and in-depth reads.
Creating Deeproot
I chose the Double Diamond method for my app development because it offers a structured approach to problem-solving and design. This method guided me through understanding user needs, refining ideas, and iterating on designs based on user feedback. It ensured a user-centred approach, leading to a more successful and impactful app.
Secondary Research
2/3
Nearly two-thirds of Black Americans say the news they see or hear about Black people is usually more negative compared to coverage of other demographic groups
80%
of Black Americans report encountering news coverage about Black people that is racist or racially insensitive at least sometimes
14%
Only 14% of Black Americans believe it is extremely or very likely that Black people will be covered fairly in the news in their lifetime
Research Methodology: Interview
During my research, a few quotes really stuck with me and shaped my initial direction.
"I’m a visual learner, so documentaries hit different, but sometimes I need something shorter to hold my attention."
-Joi
"Podcasts are my go-to, but it’s hard to know what’s reliable."
-Alicia
"Shows like The Boondocks hold a mirror to society with a touch of comedy and I would love for more shows to do that"
-Tabitha
These comments highlighted the variety of ways people prefer to learn about Black history—through videos, podcasts, books, or even interactive formats. It became clear that accessibility wasn’t just about availability; it was about offering information in formats that resonated with how people naturally absorb knowledge.
Affinity Map
I started with the theme of diverse learning formats because it felt rich with possibilities. From interviews, it was clear that people crave variety in how they engage with Black history—whether through books, films, or interactive experiences. But as I delved deeper, I realized that while the idea was compelling, it wasn't directly addressing the core issue. The sheer scope of tackling diverse learning formats would be challenging to accomplish within a 10-week timeline. click here to view the affinity map
Themes - Pivot to Distrust in Media
Participants prefer diverse formats based on their learning styles, favoring visual content like documentaries, animations, and interactive media, along with books, podcasts, and videos.
Participants feel Black history is misrepresented in media, criticizing practices like casting non-American Black actors for U.S. historical roles and "whitewashing" Black events.
Participants noted the emotional challenge of learning about slavery and racial violence, with some struggling to stay engaged and others seeking supportive spaces to process these feelings.
Further research and reflection showed me that 'Distrust in Media' was a recurring concern. Interviewees expressed skepticism about the accuracy and framing of Black history in mainstream sources. This distrust wasn't just a pain point—it was a barrier to engaging with Black history at all. Shifting the focus to this theme allowed me to hone in on solving a more urgent and specific problem: how to equip young adults with trustworthy, accessible knowledge about Black history.
In retrospect, this pivot was essential. It not only grounded the project in a more actionable problem but also aligned with my personal motivation to address gaps in Black history education. By narrowing the scope, I could develop a solution that felt both impactful and achievable within the given timeframe.
How Might We
How might we create accessible, trustworthy Black history resources that empower young adults to feel confident in their understanding and engage more fully with their heritage?
Persona
User Stories
By creating user stories, I empathized with users and better understood their experiences. This process helped me prioritize features, make informed design decisions, and ensure that the final product met user expectations and effectively solved their problems.
Main User Story
As a knowledge seeker, I want to compare sources on the same topic to identify consistencies and discrepancies.
Main Epic
Verify And Validate Historical Content
Revised Task Flow
Initially this task flow involved the user going through the process of checking their citations, but this wasn't addressing my users main pain point. I then simplified this process by removing one step and focusing on the source comparison feature.
UI Inspiration Board
Here, the outcomes and achievements of the project are highlighted, including user feedback, adoption rates, and industry recognition.
Sketches
For my sketches I took heavy inspiration from platforms that offers a clean and easy to read article
Low Fidelity Wireframes
After gathering feedback from the first usability test, I identified key areas for improvement and made significant updates to enhance the user experience. I added an option to copy article citations in MLA format, making it easier for users to reference their findings. To improve navigation, I introduced a table of contents feature, allowing users to quickly scroll through articles and locate specific sections.
The source results screen underwent a complete rework, focusing on presenting information in a more digestible and visually clear format. These updates, along with refining button functionality and improving visual alignment, shaped Version 2 of the DeepRoot prototype. This iteration delivers a smoother, more intuitive experience, empowering users to explore Black history resources with confidence and ease.
Brand Development
Wordmark
Here, the outcomes and achievements of the project are highlighted, including user feedback, adoption rates, and industry recognition.
UI Library
