Deeproot
AI-Powered Source Comparison
Visual Identity
Role
UX, UI, UXR, Branding
and Design System
Platform
Mobile iOS
Tools
Figma, OpenAI,
Adobe Illustrator,
Year
2024
Overview
Why Did I Decide to Tackle This?
DeepRoot is a mobile app that addresses misinformation, accessibility challenges, and the emotional toll of learning Black history. It empowers young adults with a trustworthy, user-friendly resource for deeper understanding.
Deeproot
AI-Powered Source Comparison
Role
Role
UX, UI, UXR, Branding
and Design System
UX, UI, UXR, Branding
and Design System
Tools
Tools
Figma, OpenAI,
Adobe Illustrator,
Figma, OpenAI,
Adobe Illustrator,
PLATFORM
PLATFORM
Mobile iOS
Mobile iOS
Year
Year
2024
2024
Overview
Why Did I Decide to Tackle This?
DeepRoot is a mobile app that addresses misinformation, accessibility challenges, and the emotional toll of learning Black history. It empowers young adults with a trustworthy, user-friendly resource for deeper understanding.
DeepRoot is a mobile app that addresses misinformation, accessibility challenges, and the emotional toll of learning Black history. It empowers young adults with a trustworthy, user-friendly resource for deeper understanding.
I designed DeepRoot to:
I designed DeepRoot to:
Provide insights on why certain information is trustworthy (or not).
Offer an accessible, engaging way to learn about Black history without feeling overwhelmed.
Help users verify the reliability of the content they engage with.
Provide insights on why certain information is trustworthy (or not).
Offer an accessible, engaging way to learn about Black history without feeling overwhelmed.
Help users verify the reliability of the content they engage with.
Context
Black History Is More Accessible, Yet Misinformation Persists
It’s 2009. I’m in 7th grade, sitting in history class during Black History Month. We’re covering Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat, and I can’t help but think, Is that it?
Year after year, American history lessons expanded—but Black history? The same handful of stories, recycled. It wasn’t until college that I realized how much I had missed. Innovators, leaders, movements—entire histories left out. Saying, “That was just the tip of the iceberg,” felt like an understatement.
This isn’t just about filling in the gaps. It’s about making sure young adults have a reliable way to engage with Black history beyond what’s traditionally taught.
The Challenge
Young adults who wish to learn about Black history often encounter challenges in finding credible, accurate resources. This lack of trustworthy information leads to gaps in knowledge and erodes confidence in what they learn, making it difficult for them to engage deeply and confidently with Black history outside of formal education.
Young adults who wish to learn about Black history often encounter challenges in finding credible, accurate resources. This lack of trustworthy information leads to gaps in knowledge and erodes confidence in what they learn, making it difficult for them to engage deeply and confidently with Black history outside of formal education.
Solution
✅ Source Comparison Tool – Cross-checks historical content for accuracy.
✅ Curated Library – Peer-reviewed articles and trusted blogs.
✅ Adaptable Learning Formats – Summaries, deep dives, and interactive elements.
Solution
✅ Source Comparison Tool – Cross-checks historical content for accuracy.
✅ Curated Library – Peer-reviewed articles and trusted blogs.
✅ Adaptable Learning Formats – Summaries, deep dives, and interactive elements.
✅ Source Comparison Tool – Cross-checks historical content for accuracy.
✅ Curated Library – Peer-reviewed articles and trusted blogs.
✅ Adaptable Learning Formats – Summaries, deep dives, and interactive elements.
Problem Statement
Research & Insights
What I Discovered About Black History & Media Trust
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
Double Diamond Method
Double Diamond Method
I followed the double-diamond design method to structure my process, ensuring I explored the problem thoroughly before jumping into solutions. This method helped me break the challenge into phases: discovering user needs, defining the problem, developing potential solutions, and delivering a refined experience. By taking a step-by-step approach, I avoided assumptions and allowed user insights to shape my decisions. This also helped me remain flexible—adapting my focus as new insights emerged.
I followed the double-diamond design method to structure my process, ensuring I explored the problem thoroughly before jumping into solutions. This method helped me break the challenge into phases: discovering user needs, defining the problem, developing potential solutions, and delivering a refined experience. By taking a step-by-step approach, I avoided assumptions and allowed user insights to shape my decisions. This also helped me remain flexible—adapting my focus as new insights emerged.
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
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
Next Steps
Moving forward, I plan to expand the functionality of the source search screen to make it even more user-friendly and informative. Additionally, I’ll implement a new AI feature that scans images and videos to provide a reliability score, empowering users to evaluate visual content critically. Finally, I’ll continue conducting user testing to refine these features and ensure DeepRoot meets user needs effectively.
Interviews
Joi
"I’m a visual learner, so documentaries hit different, but sometimes I need something shorter to hold my attention."
Alicia
"Podcasts are my go-to, but it’s hard to know what’s reliable."
Tabitha
"Shows like The Boondocks hold a mirror to society with a touch of comedy and I would love for more shows to do that"
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.
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
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
Diverse Learning
Formats
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 prefer diverse formats based on their learning styles, favoring visual content like documentaries, animations, and interactive media, along with books, podcasts, and videos.
Distrust of Media and
Information Sources
Distrust of Media
and Information
Sources
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 feel Black history is misrepresented in media, criticizing practices like casting non-American Black actors for U.S. historical roles and "whitewashing" Black events.
Emotional Toll of
Learning Black History
Emotional Toll
of Learning
Black History
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.
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.
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
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?
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
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.
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.
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
Verify And Validate Historical Content
User Stories
Epics
Insights
User Stories
Epics
Insights
User Stories
Epics
Insights
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
Moodboard
To develop a cohesive brand, I created a mood board inspired by keywords like rooted, inspiring, and academic. This process helped me craft a color palette and typography that align with DeepRoot’s values. Peer feedback ensured the visuals resonated with my target audience.
Task Flow Sketches
Before jumping into wireframes, I sketched out initial concepts inspired by my moodboard—which centered around themes like rootedness, clarity, and credibility. I pulled visual cues from academic journals, clean editorial layouts, and modern article readers to explore different ways of displaying information clearly and respectfully.
To develop a cohesive brand, I created a mood board inspired by keywords like rooted, inspiring, and academic. This process helped me craft a color palette and typography that align with DeepRoot’s values. Peer feedback ensured the visuals resonated with my target audience.
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.
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.
Wordmark
Here, the outcomes and achievements of the project are highlighted, including user feedback, adoption rates, and industry recognition.
Here, the outcomes and achievements of the project are highlighted, including user feedback, adoption rates, and industry recognition.
Brand Development
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.
Hi-Fidelity Mockups
Hi-Fidelity Mockups
During testing, I discovered that some elements on the search screen—particularly buttons and certain titles—failed accessibility contrast checks. The colors in question, a light brown and orange, did not meet WCAG AA standards for readability, especially for users with visual impairments.
Accessibility
Failed Accessibility Test
During testing, I discovered that some elements on the search screen—particularly buttons and certain titles—failed accessibility contrast checks. The colors in question, a light brown and orange, did not meet WCAG AA standards for readability, especially for users with visual impairments.
During testing, I discovered that some elements on the search screen—particularly buttons and certain titles—failed accessibility contrast checks. The colors in question, a light brown and orange, did not meet WCAG AA standards for readability, especially for users with visual impairments.
Improvements Made
✅ Refined color choices to ensure accessibility-friendly contrast without compromising the brand identity.
✅ Bolded text on titles and buttons to improve legibility and visual hierarchy.
✅ Re-tested the UI, ensuring all elements now meet WCAG AA accessibility standards.
During testing, I discovered that some elements on the search screen—particularly buttons and certain titles—failed accessibility contrast checks. The colors in question, a light brown and orange, did not meet WCAG AA standards for readability, especially for users with visual impairments.
UI Library
Install the plugin and convert your designs to a responsive site.
Install the plugin and convert your designs to a responsive site.
Install the plugin and convert your designs to a responsive site.
Alternate Platform Devices
Browse dozens of templates. Click, duplicate, customize.
Browse dozens of templates. Click, duplicate, customize.
Marketing Site
Install the plugin and convert your designs to a responsive site.
Install the plugin and convert your designs to a responsive site.
Key Learnings
During the research phase, I found myself overwhelmed, often overthinking simple steps, which led to a few backtracks along the way. These moments taught me the value of stepping back, reassessing, and staying grounded in the problem at hand.
As I moved into the design phase, I gained a deeper understanding of how crucial research is to the process. I realized that aesthetics alone cannot carry a product—solid research provides the foundation for design decisions that truly resonate with users. This experience reinforced the importance of balancing creativity with strategy to create meaningful, user-centered solutions.
Key Learnings
During the research phase, I found myself overwhelmed, often overthinking simple steps, which led to a few backtracks along the way. These moments taught me the value of stepping back, reassessing, and staying grounded in the problem at hand.
As I moved into the design phase, I gained a deeper understanding of how crucial research is to the process. I realized that aesthetics alone cannot carry a product—solid research provides the foundation for design decisions that truly resonate with users. This experience reinforced the importance of balancing creativity with strategy to create meaningful, user-centered solutions.
During the research phase, I found myself overwhelmed, often overthinking simple steps, which led to a few backtracks along the way. These moments taught me the value of stepping back, reassessing, and staying grounded in the problem at hand.
As I moved into the design phase, I gained a deeper understanding of how crucial research is to the process. I realized that aesthetics alone cannot carry a product—solid research provides the foundation for design decisions that truly resonate with users. This experience reinforced the importance of balancing creativity with strategy to create meaningful, user-centered solutions.
Next Steps
Moving forward, I plan to expand the functionality of the source search screen to make it even more user-friendly and informative. Additionally, I’ll implement a new AI feature that scans images and videos to provide a reliability score, empowering users to evaluate visual content critically. Finally, I’ll continue conducting user testing to refine these features and ensure DeepRoot meets user needs effectively.
Moving forward, I plan to expand the functionality of the source search screen to make it even more user-friendly and informative. Additionally, I’ll implement a new AI feature that scans images and videos to provide a reliability score, empowering users to evaluate visual content critically. Finally, I’ll continue conducting user testing to refine these features and ensure DeepRoot meets user needs effectively.
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