An exploration and recommended redesign for Facebook’s Privacy Policy.
In this case study
Background
In recent news, Facebook’s privacy policy has come under intense scrutiny, with concerns being raised about the company’s approach to safeguarding user data and personal information.
In addition, the delivery and presentation of the platform’s privacy options have been a subject of criticism, as many users find them confusing and challenging to comprehend.
Our challenge was to craft a new, straightforward user experience to deliver Facebook’s privacy policy.
The solution we created was a fun and engaging game to help users understand Facebook’s privacy.
Research
Secondary Research
We used online resources to understand more about the Internet’s privacy laws, Facebook’s current privacy options, and Facebook’s delivery of these settings. We also conducted competitive analysis to compare and contrast Facebook’s privacy policy experience compared to competing social media platforms.
81% of adults feel they have “very little/no control over the data that companies collect”
Pew Research Center, 2019
Facebook’s privacy policy takes an average of 18 minutes to read with little understanding.
New York Times Study, 2019
Primary Research
We used three different research strategies to understand our user and their current Facebook experiences. Through contextual inquiry, surveys and detailed interviews, we discovered users have trouble understanding the current Facebook privacy policy, but are willing to learn.
1
Contextual Inquiry
We interviewed 10 Facebook users age ranging from 15-60. We asked each of the interviewees to rank their comfortability with technology and their privacy concern. Then we asked each to perform 3 different tasks and tracked the time and the user journey.
2
Survey
We sent a surveyed 40 people over email using TypeForm. We utilized a method called “What’s on your radar?” in which we asked the user to “plot” their considerations and concerns regarding privacy and technology use.
3
User Interviews
We interviewed 10 participants about the specific pain points and needs identified in our contextual inquiry. We asked a series of questions specifically about user wants surrounding privacy as well as more detailed follow-up questions about why their pain points and needs exist and the role those play into their Facebook usage and daily life.
Key Findings
- Users value their privacy
- Many users have trouble understanding jargon-filled privacy policies
- Users want to learn about their privacy rights
Solution
We created a fun and simple game that helps users easily understand Facebook’s privacy policies and navigation. We focused on simplicity and usability for the consumer. This game is meant to teach the user about the privacy policy, so we wanted it to be fun, but also accomplish the main goal of learning.
Low Fidelity Prototype
I created a low-fidelity prototype to start determining the functionality and information architecture of our game. We then conducted usability testing with the prototype to confirm our design decisions.
High Fidelity Prototype
I then created a high fidelity prototype to help the project managers and developers envision our final game. From our research, many users did not have familiarity with technology, I focused on natural mapping to help inform the user controls.
Success of Our Product
Upon judging, we found that we were the only group to take this approach. The two anonymous University of Illinois professors found that our experience was creative and user friendly. The only critiques they found is that the popups could be more exciting to keep the user engaged.
Our professor plans to use the game in his lab to study the affects that this could have on consumer’s understanding of social media privacy policies.
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