Overview

Amplifying activism: an app to streamline protest mobilization and real-time updates.

Interactions on social media play an important role in protest mobilization. Users involved in online activism and offline protests receive and share their information on upcoming events, real-time updates and live streaming through tools such as Whatsapp groups, Facebook, Twitter. I decided to create an app which would simplify protest mobilization.

Most images in this case study were photographed by me, on assignment for Flash90.

User Research

Insights from surveys, interviews, and social media analysis.

To better understand the needs and frustrations of the user, 25 surveys were completed, and two deep interviews were conducted. I also looked at social media networks Whatsapp, Facebook and X (former Twitter) in order to gain knowledge and learn from my competitors’ strengths and weaknesses.

92%

recieve news and updates on events through social media.

52%

attend at least one protest every two weeks.

61%

have missed a protest they would’ve wanted to go to.

Conclusions

One platform for seamless information sharing and mobilization.

Problem

The relevant information is spread out over too many social media platforms. It is hard and confusing for the user to keep track of all alerts, events and posts.

Solution

Create one social media platform for information sharing, political expression and mobilization, specifically targeted for activists. The user can connect to a social network of people with the same need for civil action, as well as gain easy access about ongoing and upcoming events.

User Interface

Crafting a bold visual language inspired by brutalism for a protest app.

During the design phase, it was important for me to establish a visual language that aligned with the app's feel, goals, and values. I drew inspiration from brutalism, which would help reinforce the aesthetic I aimed to achieve for a protest movement app. I carefully selected colors, fonts, shadow effects, and icons to reflect this vision.

Onboarding

D-E-M-O cracy Now

The user is met by an icon of a closed fist, and big bold letters spelling out the name of the app, thereby strengthening the feel of a protest atmosphere.

Sign Up

Join the fight!

Quick and easy sign-up process where the user registers basic information (including geographical location) as well as selects which protests are of interest. This, along with location, allows the app to connect the user with relevant events.

See friend’s uploaded videos.

Stories

Newest and most relevant post with option to Like, Comment and Share. Click on the three top circles in the card and the user is given an option to either report post or user.

Posts

Top Navigation

Search Bar which allows you to search by keywords throughout the app. Message button that takes you straight to chat section, and notifies of any unread messages.

Designed Icons

Bottom menu guides user to Home, Events, Communities. Notifications and Profile.

Home Screen

Begin Scrolling

Stories

See friend’s uploaded videos.

Posts

Newest and most relevant post., with option to Like, Comment and Share. Click on the three top circles in the card and the user is given an option to either report post or user.

Top Navigation

Search Bar which allows you to search by keywords throughout the app. Message button that takes you straight to chat section, and notifies of any unread messages.

Designed Icons

Bottom menu guides user to Home, Events, Communities. Notifications and Profile.

Events

What's On?

Scroll between ongoing and future events, as well as see which events the user has already marked as attending. There is also an option to create your own event.

Event Page

Find Event Info

Carpoool

Find or offer a ride to specific event.

Attendance and share to

User marks if planning on going to event. If “Going” is marked, the event is automatically saved under “My Events”.
Option to share event with others.

Event Image and Information

Basic event information regarding time and location.

Child Friendly

Designed menu icons leading to sections: Home, Events, Communities, Notifications and Profile.

User marks if planning on going to event. If “Going” is marked, the event is automatically saved under “My Events”.
Option to share event with others.

Attendance & Share

Find or offer a ride to specific event.

Carpool

Event Image & Info

Large image to attract user's attention. Basic event information regarding time and place.

Child Friendly

Notification if event is expected to be child friendly.

Event Page

Find event info

Attendance & Share

User marks if planning on going to event.

If “Going” is marked, the event is automatically saved under “My Events”. Option to share event with others.

Carpool

Find or offer a ride to specific event.

Event Image & Info

Large image to attract user's attention. Basic event information regarding time and place.

Child Friendly

Notification if event is expected to be child friendly.

Communities

Build an online network

Connect with communities which are related to the struggles and protests you are interested in. Stay updated on current news and information through the feed.