Introduction

I was tasked with identifying a human-centered problem that warrants readiness for digital intervention. Keeping the tenets of equitable design in mind, I wanted to research an industry where a demographic was disenfranchised.  the stock photography market is huge but is not as diverse as it could be. In its current state, its does not accurately represent the wealth of diverse people in society. There is an overrepresentation of a particular group of people. 

Getting Started

Before I started identifying a problem space or doing any research, I need to figure out what design process model to use. I went with the Design Thinking model. 

-Tim Brown

“Design thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation that draws from the designer’s toolkit to integrate the needs of people, the possibilities of
technology, and the requirements for business success.”

Empathize-Research Plan

USER INTERVIEWS

Conducting interviews with users is beneficial because you can view users and their behavior in the context of their lives. They can point out what site content is memorable, what people feel is important on the site, and what ideas for improvement they may have

A Few Interview Questions

What are some challenges you face when looking for stock photography?
When looking for stock photography, what aspects are most important to you?
How do you usually find stock photos?
As a self identified minority, What do you feel needs to change about the process of finding stock photography?
Do you feel it is important to see yourself or your culture reflected in your branding? Why or why not?

link to full interview transcripts

Insight Statements

“No service really works.”

“Everything is dumb expensive”

“You have to add extra words for minorities.”

“The more a specific photo the more difficult it becomes to find POC in certain situations.”

“The licenses for some photos cost more than my client is paying me.”

“I’ve received quotes of upwards of $1k. Thats crazy!”

64%

of respondents do NOT feel represented in media.

51%

of respondents DO feel that it is important to see themselves represented in media.

75%

of respondents are DISSATISFIED with the current options available.

62%

of respondents said it was DIFFICULT to find stock photography that had BIPOC

link to complete survey

link to research findings