Overview
This project examines an existing digital service with the objective of providing the end user more transparency regarding their information, or at the least, facilitating easier access to and control of their data and privacy. The proposed solution grants the user more authority over the privacy of their content and the information being used to display ads on YouTube. This is achieved by bringing the functionalities of Google's Ad Center to the platform, consolidating the controls and options onto a single page and thereby reducing the workload for end users.
Software
Figma
Timeline
Mar – Apr 2023 (6 weeks)
The Challenge
Due to the lack of separation between YouTube and Google data, much of the former is only accessible through Google Account settings. This creates additional workload for YouTube users to understand how their data is being used and to control their privacy. The YouTube Settings pages for user information seem redundant due to the lack of content and user autonomy. Users have limited control without being redirected elsewhere. While the “Your Data in YouTube” page provides more transparency and controls, it’s still a collection of redirect links, rather than integrated controls.
The image below shows YouTube’s Privacy page as of March 2023 and March 2024, respectively. As Google and YouTube continue to revised their interface, settings are being moved around without the user’s notice. It appears that more controls are being removed than integrated.
Conceptualization
User Flow
Development
Colours & Typography
Development
Wireframes
The interface is designed following the existing YouTube and Material Design guidelines.
REfinement
Final Solution
Establishing a separate Ad Center on YouTube allows users comprehensive control over the information collected and used for advertising purposes, as well as the types of ads deemed suitable and preferable to individual users. Users have easier access to general privacy settings of their activities on YouTube (uploaded videos, playlists, subscriptions, etc.), with redirect prompts to more detailed options. They can view and manage the information being collected and used to personalize advertisements, including the ability to add or remove topics, adjust their frequency, and disable sensitive topics altogether.