How Designers Encourage Diverse Perspectives
Designing platforms that encourage diverse perspectives, critical thinking, and meaningful dialogues requires a multifaceted approach, especially given the challenges posed by algorithmic filter bubbles. Here are some strategies that experience designers can employ:
1. Diverse Algorithm Design
Avoid overly personalized content recommendations: Make sure that users are exposed to a mix of content, not just what aligns perfectly with their previous interactions or beliefs. Sprinkle in content or perspectives that the user might not typically encounter. Refresh the algorithm regularly to prevent it from being overly deterministic.
2. User-Controlled Customization
Allow users to understand and control how their feed is being curated. Offer options like "See more diversity" or "Show different perspectives.” Provide transparency regarding how the algorithm works and the kind of content it curates.
3. Design for Serendipity
Feature areas where users can stumble upon new ideas and perspectives. This can be a "random article" button or sections like "Outside Your Bubble".
4. Promote Media Literacy
Offer tools or resources that help users critically evaluate the information they're consuming. Integrate fact-checking tools or link to third-party fact-checking sites.
5. Facilitate Constructive Conversations
Design comment and discussion features that promote respect and understanding. This could include features like "upvoting" for constructive comments or flagging ad hominem attacks. Integrate tools that help users rephrase or reconsider potentially inflammatory statements before posting.
6. Collaborate with a Diverse Team
Ensure that the design and engineering teams are diverse, bringing in a mix of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. A diverse team is more likely to spot potential biases and design more inclusively.
7. Active Moderation
Employ human moderators to oversee discussions and ensure they remain productive and respectful. This can also help in identifying and curbing the spread of misinformation. Utilize AI tools to help flag potentially harmful content, but always allow for human oversight to prevent overcorrection.
8. Feedback Loops
Encourage users to provide feedback on content recommendations and the platform in general. Continuously iterate on the platform design based on user feedback and observed behaviors.
9. Educate and Alert
When users are about to share or engage with content that's been flagged as potentially misleading, offer them additional context or suggest related articles that offer alternate viewpoints.
10. Encourage Community Building
Create features that allow users to build communities around shared interests or perspectives. This not only helps in content discovery but also fosters a sense of belonging.
11. External Collaborations
Partner with external organizations, NGOs, or educational institutions to bring in varied content and resources that can enhance user knowledge and exposure to diverse viewpoints.
12. Metrics that Matter
Move beyond click-through rates and engagement metrics. Prioritize metrics that measure the quality of dialogue, user understanding, and exposure to diverse perspectives.
