| Perspectives #2 |
Identity Map
Identity Map
Identity Map is a website that connects people with similar identities to prepare them for traveling abroad
We delivered an interactive student resource using Google API, and Java Script
| identity Map |
BRINGING AWARENESS TO IDENTITY-BASED DISCRIMINATION
The Identity Map was inspired by the need to support the ever-increasing mobile student population.
The website and adjacent pilot program take responsibility in the fight for equity, by creating awareness of identity-based discrimination.
The resources and connections the map fosters will improve student preparedness for study abroad and contribute to students’ ability to integrate across global communities.
It is an interactive and sustainable way to provide resources to meet diverse needs, with consideration for usability and accessibility.
The Identity Map was inspired by the need to support the ever-increasing mobile student population.
The website and adjacent pilot program take responsibility in the fight for equity, by creating awareness of identity-based discrimination.
The resources and connections the map fosters will improve student preparedness for study abroad and contribute to students’ ability to integrate across global communities.
It is an interactive and sustainable way to provide resources to meet diverse needs, with consideration for usability and accessibility.
Please visit our website to view the Identity Map proof of concept.
PROJECT DELIVERABLES |
The Identity Map was implemented with customized codes from:
Google API, Bootstrap, Snazzy Maps JSON files, HTML, JS, and CSS.
Read the full report to learn more about the challenges. (links to a PDF)
The video (COMING SOON) below briefly explains a few of the technical challenges we encountered and how we intend to solve them.
| PROJECT OVERVIEW |
Identity Map was conceptualized by Juliette Green and the proof of concept was built-out by Robin Riebman in 2022.
Click play in the video window to see a walkthrough of the Identity Map site.
WHY DID YOU CREATE THE IDENTITY MAP? |
The Identity Map is important because for many students traveling abroad is one of the most transformative experiences of their lives. The map helps to prepare people for their journey so they can have a successful, fun, and safe learning experience. Identity Representatives will connect with Student Users safely and anonymously.
HOW DID YOU CREATE THE IDENTITY MAP? |
The Identity Map was implemented with customized codes with:
Google API, Bootstrap, Snazzy Maps JSON files, HTML, JS, and CSS.
IDENTITY REPRESENTATIVES AND STUDENT USERS |
As the project Website Design Consultant, I contributed to the UI (appearance) and UX (experience) of the site, addressing issues of accessibility and equity through coding.
In the early stages of development, we selected the term “identity representatives” (IR) to refer to post-study individuals who wanted to share their experiences. Their IR profiles would be available for “student users” (SU) to browse. While browsing, the SUs could identify common connections like religion, socio-economic status, citizenship, gender, or lack thereof, and connect with the IRs.
INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY |
We would need to capture the various identities of diverse IRs and SUs.
Besides requiring a physical way to filter and sort these identities, we concerned ourselves with a way to suggest catchall identities without being exclusive. I suggested an inclusive search function and a submission form that would allow IRs to self-identify with one or multiple responses.
The profile form could look like Google’s “gender” dropdown with catchall terms, an opt-out, and a customize feature (where someone can submit any identity they wish). These responses would, of course be monitored, and the results would feed into a searchable database. Student users would then use the bar at the top of the map to search for similar identities. At this point, just like in Google Maps, “markers” will be spotlighted if they correspond to representatives who hold similar identities. This is an accessibility concern that we will address by creating a bright aura around the corresponding markers.
ADVANCING THE PROJECT |
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- In a future build out we would like to implement a feature where users can favorite relevant identity tags. If they search for an identity and want to be able to return to the map later to see that same identity, they could simply revisit the website. The marker can be customized to appear in a different color, symbol, or size depending on the needs and preferences of the user.
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- The pilot iteration will require user profiles that could be facilitated in Word Press. It could cannibalize coding from something like a dating application that keep people connected.
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- Because the project addresses discrimination based on legal considerations, individual safety and anonymity are major concerns. We anonymize interactions so when the user clicks on a marker, they see only the representative’s location and their identities. They can then click a button to connect with that user, or select resources related to that identity. When they choose to connect with a representative, an anonymous email will be sent to the representative letting them know somebody would like to connect. The IR can log into their portal, to find new anonymous messages. Coding could mirror Craigslist, where you can either anonymously engage or provide personal information if you feel safe. The SU will also receive an anonymous response and will be able to personalize the connection at will.
PROOF OF CONCEPT
The identity map is a proof of concept. In the pilot release we will further consider cultural perception and bias towards colors, and icons, and will fully-adhere to back-end accessibility and coding best-practices.
Future Goals |
We hope to pilot the project for students in three different universities including one in China one in Mexico, and one in the United States.
The map will be localized in at least three different languages, with more you more support in the future.
We will invite transnational and international study abroad alumni to submit IR profiles. These IR might come from the schools themselves, return peace corps volunteers, fellowship recipients or other individuals who have experience abroad. Over the course of a year, we would follow SUs as they use this map to prepare for their studies, as they began their studies, and at the conclusion of their studies we would evaluate the utility of the map with a complete assessment.
CONTACT ROBIN |
How can we work together to provide access to education?
Did you know that Robin provides freelance localization and photography services?