Edit, Please
Interactive tool informing journalists on appropriate language and framing
Brief
I was approached by Vox Media to create a tool to inform journalists on how to approach language and framing on coverage of communities and identities. This project is part of their larger Language, Please initiative — a free, living resource for journalists and storytellers seeking to thoughtfully cover evolving social, cultural, and identity-related topics.
Outcome
An interactive learning tool, in the format of an edit test, to help journalists learn in context and share their perspectives with their peers. We also delivered an intuitive CMS for newsrooms to keep content in the tool relevant. In addition, I expanded on limited brand assets to create a visual identity and develop a design system.
Role
I was the designer and project manager on the project, working closely with a developer and editors at Vox to oversee the entire project — from proposal pitching, shaping, discussing tech stack, to design production and handoff.
I was approached by Vox Media to create a tool to inform journalists on how to approach language and framing on coverage of communities and identities. This project is part of their larger Language, Please initiative — a free, living resource for journalists and storytellers seeking to thoughtfully cover evolving social, cultural, and identity-related topics.
Outcome
An interactive learning tool, in the format of an edit test, to help journalists learn in context and share their perspectives with their peers. We also delivered an intuitive CMS for newsrooms to keep content in the tool relevant. In addition, I expanded on limited brand assets to create a visual identity and develop a design system.
Role
I was the designer and project manager on the project, working closely with a developer and editors at Vox to oversee the entire project — from proposal pitching, shaping, discussing tech stack, to design production and handoff.
Discovery
One of the challenges in the project is the short timeline — we had about two months from concept to deployment.
To faciliate alignment on the core user experience and features, I created site maps, wireframes, and clickthrough prototypes to illustrate a wide range of design explorations. I worked closely with the developer to understand technical implications and together with Vox identified our priorities.
Feature: Editing
The editing feature is designed prioritizing accessibility and usability. With that in mind, we decided to dissect a passage into “chunks” rather than allowing free-from selection to give users a more guided experience and allow them to focus on providing reasons for their edits.
When users hover or tap through a story, they can easily see the possible options and make their selection.
Feature: Reviewing
I developed an intuitive visual system to showcase user and Language, Please’s selections in different scenarios. Identity and language is dynamic, as is language. It was important that the visual approach does not mislead users to think that there is an absolute, or right vs wrong answer.
In the review mode, users can select and review their edits and the suggested edits, learn more through extended readings, and toggle to show a “cleaned” version of the passage with edits incorporated.
Expanding visual identity
I expanded on the limited design assets provided to create an engaging and approachable visual identity.
Takeaway
A selection of additional resources are provided to users to learn more about inclusive reporting.
Scalable design system & CMS
Perspective on language and framing changes over time, I created a scalable design system to accommodate new content and features. I collaborated closely with the developer to create a CMS for editors at Vox to continue iterating on the tool.
Post-launch feedback & user research findings
Key insights were gathered in qualitative research with both frequent and new users who are either editors and communication specialists. These insights inform the next phase of work to enhance the tool.User feedback
- “It’s good because you’re learning by doing and because it catches things I wouldn’t necessarily catch by myself.”
- “It’s a good tool for journalism schools and educators.”
- “Edit, Please is a good reminder to pause and think of better ways to describe things instead of using terms frequently used in the media.”
Insights
- The tool, linked from the Language, Please site, is hard to find. But upon discovery, users found it fun and instructive and commented on its educational potential
- Some users want to create a version of the tool for their use cases
- There’s interest in expanding the tool so its content can stay relevant
- Internally, there’s interest in exploring the use of AI
Iterations (In progress)
We are working with Vox media to continue iterating on Edit, Please launching late 2025. Some initial ideas include:UX improvement
- Improve discoverability from Language, Please main site
- Improve keyboard navigation
- Conduct usability testing
Feature exploration
- Introduce collection of stories
- Iterate on CMS editing experience
- Ability to provide immediate feedback
- Ability to connect with human editors
- Personalization features, e.g. saving stories
Other ideas
- Increase outreach of product through educational partnerships
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