WAVZ is a digital platform designed to empower activists by providing tools to organize, execute, and archive protests. The app bridges the gap between traditional activism and modern digital tools, creating a unified space for community engagement both online and offline.
Activist organizations rely on outdated methods to engage with communities, while millennials increasingly use digital tools. WAVZ addresses this by providing a platform that helps organize, execute, and archive protests, going beyond what existing social media platforms offer.
Research was conducted over nine weeks, focusing on technology's role in protests and the challenges activists face in engaging with local communities. Insights were gained from field research and interviews, highlighting the need for a digital platform that complements traditional activism.
The WAVZ design was inspired by the fluidity of water and ancient Japanese block prints.
Personas like David, a grad student looking to get involved in activism, and Sarah, an NGO executive director, were developed to understand user needs. These personas guided the design process, ensuring the app met the diverse needs of its users.
A visual representation of the user journey, highlighting key interactions with the WAVZ platform.
The design drew inspiration from the movement of water, symbolizing the ripple effect of activism. The app's branding was influenced by ancient Japanese block prints, and the user interface was crafted to be simple and intuitive, appealing to a broad audience.
Extensive user testing led to refinements in navigation and user engagement. The feedback helped shape the app into a tool that is both powerful and easy to use, ensuring it meets the needs of activists in various contexts.
The final version of WAVZ is a comprehensive platform that supports activists by providing a centralized space for organizing, sharing, and participating in protests. It is designed to foster community engagement and empower users to take action both online and offline.
Future iterations of WAVZ will explore deeper integration with smart home systems, expanded social media features, and enhanced community-building tools to further support long-term activism efforts.