Ep37 Co-creating safe online spaces

Also available on Apple Podcasts and Captivate (or wherever you get your Podcasts!)

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Summary

In this episode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins and Siobhan Hoy discuss the importance of creating safe online spaces, particularly for vulnerable users. They explore key principles such as user-centered design, the necessity of engaging users from the beginning, and the balance between accessibility and design. The conversation also touches on essential features for crisis support, the role of emerging technologies, and the challenges organisations face in co-creating these spaces. Siobhan shares success stories from her projects, emphasising the importance of continuous user feedback and the need for organisations to prioritise user safety and accessibility.

Takeaways

• Creating safe online spaces is crucial for vulnerable users.
• User-centered design should be prioritsed in online spaces.
• Engaging users from the beginning helps avoid assumptions.
• Payment for participation shows respect for lived experiences.
• Balancing accessibility with design aesthetics is essential.
• Crisis signposting is a critical feature for support.
• Dynamic signposting can enhance user experience based on behavior.
• Reducing content overwhelm improves user engagement.
• Emerging technologies like AI require careful risk assessment.
• Co-creation with users leads to more successful outcomes.

Titles

• Creating Safe Online Spaces: A Guide
• The Importance of User-Centered Design

Sound Bites

• “How do we create safe online spaces?”
• “Understanding audience needs is crucial.”
• “AI brings both value and risk.”