A communication system that fosters positivity + conveys the value of open-source package contributors


LIVE DATA VISUALIZATION + VSCODE PLUGIN

A communication system that fosters positivity + conveys the value of open-source package contributors

sector
Community
role
Visuals lead
Product Designer
Visuals lead, Product Designer
team
HCI Researcher
Software Engineer
HCI Researcher, Software Engineer
tools
Figma
Adobe Animate
p5.js
Figma, Adobe Animate, p5.js
status

Hug Reports, Work in Progress and Grant Reception



Hug Reports is now a work in progress, undergoing final revisions using the CS + X Grant from the Frank-Ratchye Studio for Creative Inquiry for shipping. Take a glance at our current updates below.

status

Hug Reports, Work in Progress and Grant Reception

Hug Reports is now a work in progress, undergoing final revisions using the CS + X Grant from the Frank-Ratchye Studio for Creative Inquiry for shipping. Take a glance at our current updates below.

OVERVIEW

What Happened



I acted as the Visuals lead, sketching, prototyping in art and code, and designing the data visualization from 0 → 1. Based on research synthesis, user polls, and interviews with users and the rest of the team, I was crafting a visual based on how to realistically leverage optimism + show data in a user-facing product.







OVERVIEW

What Happened

I acted as the Visuals lead, sketching, prototyping, and designing the data visualization from 0 → 1. Based on research synthesis, user polls, and interviews with users and the rest of the team, I was crafting a visual based on how to realistically leverage optimism + show data in a user-facing product.

CHALLENGE

96% of companies use open-source packages.

Volunteers create and maintain commonly used packages, but work without positive feedback or thanks, resulting in burnout.

SOLUTioN

A VS Code Plugin paired with a live data visualization that
incites public awareness and support, creating a positive feedback loop for gratefulness.

A VS Code Plugin paired with a live data visualization that
incites public awareness and support, creating a positive feedback loop for gratefulness.

INTRODUCING

Visual Studio Code Plugin + Live Data Visualization

Plugin Encourages
Positivity


Plugin Encourages
Positivity


Through the code editor plugin, users easily express appreciation at the level of packages, modules, or functions rather than individual commits or pull-requests, and icons

provide a subtle reminder of the contributors’ labor.

Through the code editor plugin, users easily express appreciation at the level of packages, modules, or functions rather than individual commits or pull-requests, and icons provide a subtle reminder of the contributors’ labor.

Plugin’s User Results


Plugin’s User Results



56% of users of the pilot test of the plugin reported more positive than typical feelings, with most registering surprise. Gratitude motivates! ✧

56% of users of the pilot test of the plugin reported more positive than typical feelings, with most registering surprise. Gratitude motivates! ✧

Data Visualization to Translate Kindness Forward [in progress]


Data Visualization to Translate Kindness [in progress]



With a physical data visualization [in progress], users and non-users will tangibly see visuals that promote optimism.

With a physical data visualization, users and non-users will tangibly see visuals that promote optimism.

RESEARCH

Open-source Packages are Ubiquitous. But Discouragement causes Burnout and Dropped Projects


I synthesized and conducted desk research based on information from our HCI Researcher to reflect on user needs for the design.


Open-source packages are ubiquitous. But discouragement is a major cause of dropped projects


ISSUE

Lack of positivity in open source package development

Lack of positivity in open source package development

REFRAMED

Target a specific avenue for concrete, positive recognition that could expand into positive influences overall, impacting the larger hemisphere of negativity.

Target a specific avenue for concrete, positive recognition that could expand into positive influences overall, impacting the larger hemisphere of negativity.

Direct Interaction Between Users and Developers is Difficult and Impersonal


Coding platforms, even social coding platforms, are primarily designed to promote the ease of collaboration in building, tracking, and resolving issues, obscuring the importance of the labor of contributors. Our solution needed to bridge users and developers for positive reinforcement, without the sole goal of bug-reporting.

Direct interaction between users and developers is difficult and impersonal

Coding platforms are designed to promote the ease of collaboration for issues, obscuring the importance of the labor of contributors. Our solution needed to bridge for positive reinforcement, without neglecting bug-reporting.

PROTOTYPING AND VISUAL STYLE

User Surveys in Visualization



I gathered 17 responses across a sample evaluating information on the issue and concerning the data visualization.







PROTOTYPING AND VISUAL STYLE

User Surveys in Visualization

I gathered 17 responses across a sample evaluating information on the issue and concerning the data visualization.

Quantifying Optimism



How do you quantify optimism?


To test the animation and communicate the visuals I wanted to the developer, I coded in p5.js to craft mid-fi prototypes.


In the process of developing the data visualization, I located colors psychologically associated with positivity. It was crucial to consider designs that would reflect optimism when there were few Hug Reports or many.




To test the animation and communicate the visuals to the developer, I coded in p5.js to craft mid-fi prototypes.

In the process of developing the data visualization, I located colors psychologically associated with positivity. It was crucial to consider designs that would reflect optimism when there were few Hug Reports or many.

Hi there!


I'm currently working to complete this project. Check in with me for updates at joanaliuj@gmail.com if you would like to learn more; I'd love to hear from you!

I'm currently working to complete this project. Check in with me for updates at joanaliuj@gmail.com if you would like to learn more; I'd love to hear from you!