Data Stories Through Remixing
Empowering Youth to Critically Analyze Data
From Passive Consumers to Critical Thinkers
Existing Tools and What They Lack
Remixing Design Goals:
Connect with users: Provide students with a clear path from using data that reflects their realities to thoughtful storytelling.
Support educators: Create an intuitive but innovative tool that aligns with curriculum.
Merge remixing and reasoning: Guide youth media to create civic argumentation and statistical thinking.
Researching With Our Users
Team members from the Data Remixer conducted think-aloud sessions with 8-10 middle school students and co-design sessions with 6 teachers.
Our perspectives shifted as critical needs were revealed through the research process.
Trial and Error
As I worked on this project for 11 months, our team went through three different versions of the Data Remixer Tool. From lo-fi sketches to wireframes to our web-based tool, we tested and refined each version with purpose.
V2 Prototype
V3 Wireframes
Changing How Users Start Their Data Story
V4 Web Tool
Key Features:
Modular Story Panels: Users can structure data narratives step by step.
Media Remixing Tools: Integrate memes, video, and text with data visualizations.
Scaffolding: Embedded prompts guide students from exploration to argumentation.
Outcomes:
Students: Developed statistical reasoning and civic storytelling skills.
Teachers: Received adaptable tools and curricula that fit Math and ELA standards.
What I learned
I grew a lot as a designer while working on the Data Remixer project. One of my biggest takeaways was working with different departments such as developers, designers, educators, researchers, etc on one big project together. Crossing between the Fordham and NYU team allowed me to get different perspectives and learn more.
Co-designing is critical. Learning with the teachers how they work with their existing workload and how they teach students was crucial in this process. Without them we would have been creating a tool for ourselves that would not have been usable or intuitive.
It was a privilege to work with underserved communities and schools on a project that empowers them to be young thinks and leaders!
If you would like to see more work from this project email me at milaperezz03@gmail.com!