sector
role
team
tools
Community
Visuals lead
Product Designer
HCI Researcher
Software Engineer
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.
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.
INTRODUCING
Visual Studio Code Plugin + Live Data Visualization
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.
Plugin Encourages
Positivity
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
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 Forwards
With a physical data visualization [in progress], users and non-users will tangibly see visuals that promote optimism.
RESEARCH
Open-source packages are ubiquitous. But a lack of positive recognition and discouragement mark a major reason for 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.
ISSUE
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.
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.
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.
How do you quantify optimism?
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! :D
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!