Context
After previously analyzing legislation from 1990-2020 and conducting independent research on APIDA digital educational disparities, I observed that the U.S. legislation policies overlooks the internal diversity of the APIDA diaspora in addressing the Digital Divide.
I did not want this research to end with findings but aimed to progress it into a tangible design. After evaluating various directions, I developed a Digital Navigator Platform, which serves to both policy stakeholders and grassroots APIDA individuals in addressing the second and third level of digital literacy disparities.
I piloted the platform in Los Angeles County, and received positive feedback from 5 individuals.
After previously analyzing legislation from 1990-2020 and conducting independent research on APIDA digital educational disparities, I observed that the U.S. legislation policies overlooks the internal diversity of the APIDA diaspora in addressing the Digital Divide.
I did not want this research to end with findings but aimed to progress it into a tangible design. After evaluating various directions, I developed a Digital Navigator Platform, which serves to both policy stakeholders and grassroots APIDA individuals in addressing the second and third level of digital literacy disparities.
I piloted the platform in Los Angeles County, and received positive feedback from 5 individuals.
My role
I researched for the Quantitative Analysis Research on APIDA Education Disparity, and designed the Platform.
I researched for the Quantitative Analysis Research on APIDA Education Disparity, and designed the Platform.
Tools
Figma, d3.js, Adobe Illustrator, Framer
Figma, d3.js, Adobe Illustrator, Framer
Duration
2022.09-12 Research on APIDA Education Disparity
2023.11-12 Platform Design
2022.09-12
Research on APIDA Education Disparity
2023.11-12 Platform Design
2022.09-12
Research on APIDA Education Disparity
2023.11-12
Platform Design
Part 1. A recap from my previous research
Part 1. A recap from my previous research
The impact and effectiveness of legal regulations in bridging the digital divide are limited, due to:
The impact and effectiveness of legal regulations in bridging the digital divide are limited, due to:
The impact and effectiveness of legal regulations in bridging the digital divide are limited, due to:
Large numbers of first-level regulations fail to successfully address the second-level divide of skill acquisition.
Large numbers of first-level regulations fail to successfully address the second-level divide of skill acquisition.
Resulting gaps contribute to educational disparities, perpetuating a cycle.
Resulting gaps contribute to educational disparities, perpetuating a cycle.
Low Impact on low-income groups, especially in addressing significant skill disparities.
Low Impact on low-income groups, especially in addressing significant skill disparities.
Furthermore, there is limited focus and investment in skill development and attention to minority groups.
Furthermore, there is limited focus and investment in skill development and attention to minority groups.
Design Challenge:
Design Challenge:
Is there a possibility to bridge the disparity for APIDA groups in terms of education and the acquisition of digital skills?
Is there a possibility to bridge the disparity for APIDA groups in terms of education and the acquisition of digital skills?
Part 2. My New and Self-guided research
Part 2. My New and Self-guided research
focus on AAPI groups, because:
My focus on education and digital skills stems from earlier research surveys. As a 1.5 Generation Asian American myself, I aim to spotlight digital inequalities within the APIDA diaspora.
Through literature reviews on 15+ paper, I noticed that, among Pacific Islanders and lower-income individuals, disparity is intricately linked to educational outcomes and perpetuate income and employment inequality cycles.
Monitoring AAPI demographics and incomes is vital for making future policy regulations in the U.S.
My focus on education and digital skills stems from earlier research surveys. As a 1.5 Generation Asian American myself, I aim to spotlight digital inequalities within the APIDA diaspora.
Through literature reviews on 15+ paper, I noticed that, among Pacific Islanders and lower-income individuals, disparity is intricately linked to educational outcomes and perpetuate income and employment inequality cycles.
Monitoring AAPI demographics and incomes is vital for making future policy regulations in the U.S.
Source: Urban Institute
User research: Quantitative Questionnaire
Research Question: Do different ethnicities of AAPI students experience barriers to digital skills acquisition in producing positive educational outcomes?
Research Question: Do different ethnicities of AAPI students experience barriers to digital skills acquisition in producing positive educational outcomes?
Sample
Data were collected through an online survey via Qualtrics. The survey was distributed via UCSB Asian American Studies (ASAM) Department’s email, Santa Barbara Community College’s ASAM Department’s Email, and Mount San Antonio Community College's related AAPI Associations.
In a total of 63 respondents, 2 were excluded due to filler question reliability tests, leaving a total of 61 for results analyses. The respondents ranged from 18 and older reaching late 60s; The 18 to 24 year old age range makes up more than 85% of respondents.
Data were collected through an online survey via Qualtrics. The survey was distributed via UCSB Asian American Studies (ASAM) Department’s email, Santa Barbara Community College’s ASAM Department’s Email, and Mount San Antonio Community College's related AAPI Associations.
In a total of 63 respondents, 2 were excluded due to filler question reliability tests, leaving a total of 61 for results analyses. The respondents ranged from 18 and older reaching late 60s; The 18 to 24 year old age range makes up more than 85% of respondents.
Sample Questions
Time
The study were conducted in 2 month, from 2022.10-2022.12.
The study were conducted in 2 month, from 2022.10-2022.12.
Part 3. Results
Part 3. Results
APIDA Group Self-Identified
Among the 61 respondents, the majority of responses were from East Asians (35), followed by Southeast Asians (15), South Asians (7), and Pacific Islander(1).
APIDA Group Self-Identified
Among the 61 respondents, the majority of responses were from East Asians (35), followed by Southeast Asians (15), South Asians (7), and Pacific Islander(1).
Southeast Asian respondents are more likely than other groups to have access barriers that affects with digital skills.
Southeast Asian respondents are more likely than other groups to have access barriers that affects with digital skills.
More than Half of APIDA Respondents are Unwilling to Seek Help when encountering a digital skills-related issue.
More than Half of APIDA Respondents are Unwilling to Seek Help when encountering a digital skills-related issue.
Barriers Related to Digital Skills
About 9% of the respondents who showed concerns toward data leaking or data privacy issues. This is most notable among older APIDA respondents of 30+ or older.
Barriers Related to Digital Skills
About 9% of the respondents who showed concerns toward data leaking or data privacy issues. This is most notable among older APIDA respondents of 30+ or older.
Note: I realize my sample size is insufficient to allow for data disaggregation within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) category. However, I found a similar lack of information online. For example, Economic data about Native Americans is often outdated and insufficient to interpret reliably.
Part 4. Design Explorations
Part 4. Design Explorations
Design Goal: Design A Platform for Underserved AAPI students (broad definition: both college students and older adults) who have barriers to educational learning outcomes.
Design Goal: Design A Platform for Underserved AAPI students (broad definition: both college students and older adults) who have barriers to educational learning outcomes.
The Obstacles Faced By APIDA Students
Solutions Exploration
language barrier
Ensure language switch available in preferred language
low-income
Increase the Utilization of Electronic Devices (directly correlated with income and skill acquisition)
lack of trust
Build Trust during Device or Software Usage
unwillingness to seek help
Foster Interactivity to Encourage Seeking Assistance
Current Platform Analysis
I analyzed the existing platforms related to enhancing APIDA Digital skills, and found four main categories: Then, I defined the opportunity space for my platform.
Function Analysis
Based on positioning, I conducted a detailed analysis of the existing platform functions to determine what features should be included in my platform.
Wireframe & iteration
I used my function analysis to shape the conceptualization of my platform design, and further collaborated with a web design expert to refine the ideas.
Part 5. The Final Design
Part 5. The Final Design
Community
See how other communities resolve digital divide issues by viewing world case projects; submission also available.
See how other communities resolve digital divide issues by viewing world case projects; submission also available.
Self-Learning
For AAPI; Including Tutorials to simplify the searching process from multiple platforms; Resource and Toolkit Available.
For AAPI; Including Tutorials to simplify the searching process from multiple platforms; Resource and Toolkit Available.
Resource
An all-in-one article library related to digital divide legislations, community initiatives, and case studies;
An all-in-one article library related to digital divide legislations, community initiatives, and case studies;
Home Page
Divided between For AAPI People experiencing Digital Disparity and Navigators; Language Switch Available.
Divided between For AAPI People experiencing Digital Disparity and Navigators; Language Switch Available.
Pair With / Become A Navigator
Search a Navigator by Language, Region, Expertise; Become A navigator by viewing compiled organizations and glossary terms.
Search a Navigator by Language, Region, Expertise; Become A navigator by viewing compiled organizations and glossary terms.
Thank you for Viewing!
Thank you for Viewing!
Next Project 👉
© 2023 Christine Yan Ting Zhang