Release The Returns
A Partner App for The Tax March
February 2017 - April 2017
WARNING: This project discusses both politics and human bodies, but is 100% safe for work.
Overview
In early 2017, the organizers of The Tax March in Portland reached out to me to create a companion app for the march. This app would allow users to take a topless photo of themselves with a censored frame demanding, "Show Us Your Taxes." I partnered with a developer to create the app pro-bono.
|
|
The Approach
Working Backwards
To start, I focused on what the end result would be. Working with the stakeholders, we set a target of a Facebook and Instagram page, with a uniform "Show Us Your Taxes" template, and diverse bodies. These images needed to be visually compelling standing alone in a feed as well as on the photo stream for the organization.
|
|
OnboardingDue to the single-use nature of this app, onboarding was an equal part of the experience to the actual photo-taking.
As the content is sensitive, I used permission priming, using clear copy to reassure the user of how the app used the access to their camera and photos. |
|
Taking PhotosI created a censored "taxes" stamp to be slightly resizable and allow for a 45 degree rotation. This enabled the model to turn sideways, allowing people of all shapes and sizes to find a position, while keeping the end result fairly uniform.
To allow an outreached arm to adjust the "taxes" stamp, I created coverage and rotation sliders that could be used with just one thumb. The reverse camera allowed models to stand more than an arms-length away, further accommodating people of all shapes and sizes. |
|
Posting PhotosOur team decided to give the models full control of their own image, so we needed to guide them on how to post on social media. We also provided a low-tech way of posting anonymously by emailing their photo to a curated account.
|
|
Results (Rejection)
Unfortunately, our app submission was rejected by Apple, citing it's single-use nature and objectionable political content. From the outset, we were aware this was a possibility, but had evidence that similar apps were approved.
I am proud to have worked on a project allowing me to exercise my mobile design skills in such a different way from my work experience.
Please contact me if you'd like to be invited to build we submitted to Apple.
I am proud to have worked on a project allowing me to exercise my mobile design skills in such a different way from my work experience.
Please contact me if you'd like to be invited to build we submitted to Apple.