Data Stories Through Remixing

Empowering Youth to Critically Analyze Data

Role

Research, UX/UI Design

Scope

June 2024 - May 2025

Tools

Figma, FigJam

Status

Finished

Role

Research, UX/UI Design

Scope

June 2024 - May 2025

Tools

Figma, FigJam, Github

Status

Finished

From Passive Consumers to Critical Thinkers

Youth are increasingly engaging with data in media daily. Schools have an opportunity to connect data to students' lived experiences so they can critically analyze data correctly and thoughtfully.


How can we position our remixng tool to provide both context and narrative construction using familar content to the youth?

Youth are increasingly engaging with data in media daily. Schools have an opportunity to connect data to students' lived experiences so they can critically analyze data correctly and thoughtfully.


How can we position our remixng tool to provide both context and narrative construction using familar content to the youth?

Youth are increasingly engaging with data in media daily. Schools have an opportunity to connect data to students' lived experiences so they can critically analyze data correctly and thoughtfully.


How can we position our remixng tool to provide both context and narrative construction using familar content to the youth?

Existing Tools and What They Lack

Tools like CODAP and TUVA Labs offer data visualization, but fall short in connecting it with resonating content for a younger generation. These platforms also do not offer a space for storytelling or arguments.


We want to encourage civic discourse and perspective-sharing over memorization.

Tools like CODAP and TUVA Labs offer data visualization, but fall short in connecting it with resonating content for a younger generation. These platforms also do not offer a space for storytelling or arguments.


We want to encourage civic discourse and perspective-sharing over memorization.

Tools like CODAP and TUVA Labs offer data visualization, but fall short in connecting it with resonating content for a younger generation. These platforms also do not offer a space for storytelling or arguments.


We want to encourage civic discourse and perspective-sharing over memorization.

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

Initially, our approach was to start with a video about a specific issue that had been posted on social media and let the user choose which one interests them. Then allow the users to choose data based off that issue and create a data story.


In version 4, we changed this.

Initially, our approach was to start with a video about a specific issue that had been posted on social media and let the user choose which one interests them. Then allow the users to choose data based off that issue and create a data story.


In version 4, we changed this.

Initially, our approach was to start with a video about a specific issue that had been posted on social media and let the user choose which one interests them. Then allow the users to choose data based off that issue and create a data story.


In version 4, we changed this.

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!