Any tool, no matter how secure, leaves users vulnerable if it is difficult to use. Many of the most popular and critical open source security tools are maintained by small tool teams with limited knowledge of the needs of at-risk users. Internews believes that any user, including those who are often marginalized or forgotten, should be able to communicate feedback easily and safely to developers. We worked with partners from around the globe to develop the UX Feedback Collection Guidebook, a guide for collecting and sharing user feedback. This session will introduce human-centered design and equip attendees with the basic skills needed to gather feedback, prioritize recommendations, and communicate with developers. This session is open to anyone, regardless of skill-level or technical capacity and is aimed at allowing all users to have a voice in the design and development of the tools they use.
The goal of the session is two-fold. Attendees will gain new skills around collecting and sharing user feedback. Those who may have experience with providing feedback to developers can also share their own knowledge or best practices. Secondly, this session will expand the existing network of practitioners interested in improving open source technology. Human-centered design is gaining traction within the open source community, but it can still be challenging to identify others working in the space. The session will outline current best practices and tactics while also creating space for likeminded people to gather and connect.
We're hoping that many efforts and discussions will continue after Mozfest. Share any ideas you already have for how to continue the work from your session.:Attendees will be invited to join a network of practitioners committed to improving open source tools. This includes access to listservs, Slack spaces, etc. where opportunities and best practices are shared. Additionally, attendees will be made aware of future funding opportunities to support usability and accessibility improvements for at-risk users in open source tools.
How will you deal with varying numbers of participants in your session?:This session can easily be scaled up or down depending on the size of the group. By utilizing collaborative notes and other virtual facilitation techniques, we will ensure that all participants have the ability to contribute to the conversation in whatever way they feel most comfortable. There will also be intentional space for sharing lessons learned or best practices, as well as ample time for questions and next steps at the end of the session.
Founder & CEO of The IO Foundation, a nonprofit advocating for Data-Centric Digital Rights. Started TIOF to establish a more solid approach to Digital Rights from a technical standards perspective.
Raashi is a project based consultant and WEF Global Shaper
Ashley Fowler currently leads several initiatives at Internews, focusing on usability in open source tools, organizational security, and digital security training for at-risk communities.
