The objective of this project was to explore the context of gun violence in America using the Vision in Product (ViP) design process to identify and design an intervention that would help reduce gun violence in the United States. I began by investigating the vast nature of this d
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The objective of this project was to explore the context of gun violence in America using the Vision in Product (ViP) design process to identify and design an intervention that would help reduce gun violence in the United States. I began by investigating the vast nature of this domain to gain a bird’s-eye view and deeper understanding of this complex problem. Through my secondary research, I collected many relevant political, economic, socio-cultural, and technological factors that make up and influence my domain. Through the formation of my worldview, I identified that the root cause of government inaction on gun control is the financial influence of corporations and special interests groups, primarily the NRA, on politicians. I then identified the Progressive Movement, as a vehicle to counteract government inaction on gun reform, both directly and indirectly, and an opportunity for my design intervention to mobilize citizen participation supporting this cause. The Progressive Movement is a segment of the Democratic political party that aims to make the US government more responsive to the needs of the American people through widespread political reform. I formulated my vision statement for my design intervention and brainstormed possible solutions. My final concept is a web-based platform that connects Americans to Progressive volunteer opportunities, as a way to support the Progressive Movement’s efforts in reducing gun violence. I based my concept on five interviews with potential users, where I learned about personal barriers that prevent people from volunteering for political and societal causes. My concept was then validated with five additional users through prototype testing and a simulated volunteer activity to see how people would react to my platform and if they would use it. Through this validation research, my solution was able to successfully activate citizen participation. Too many innocent lives have been lost to gun violence, but US history shows that sometimes change must come from outside the government, from the people. That is why I feel that supporting the Progressive Movement’s efforts of reducing gun violence through grassroots participation is crucial. Through the Good Trouble platform, we have the opportunity to mobilize millions of Americans across the country to become active participants in the fight against gun violence in America.