CONTEXT
In INFO 4400: Qualitative User Research Methods, I collaborated on a semester-long research project addressing health ad misinformation. We used diary studies and a co-design workshop to inform our solution— DigiCookie, an app promoting healthier social media habits. I led contextual interviews, developed the diary study protocol, co-facilitated the workshop, and produced the final video.
TIMELINE
Jan 2024 - May 2024
15 weeks
ROLE
User Researcher
TEAM
3 User Researchers
SKILLS
Market/User Research, Product Thinking, Diary Study, Co-Design Workshop
🎥 FINAL VIDEO
How susceptible are health-conscious college students to health ads in influencer media content, and how does it affect their wellbeing?
RESEARCH QUESTION
Develop a solution that empowers users to make informed purchasing decisions and protects consumers from deceptive marketing tactics.
DESIGN GOAL
trendy health social media content
DigiCookie
Not a snack, but your guide to healthier social media habits!
THE PROBLEM
Information consumption today revolves around para-social relationships, authenticity, & subtle product placements.
Misinformation from social media influencers (SMIs) poses serious health risks, like heightened psychological distress, and may lead to poor purchasing decisions.
INFO 4400: Qualitative User Research & Design Methods
Group 3: Christina Jin (cej65), Evelyn Kim (eck82), Mika Labadan (mll266), Clara Lee (cl874)
METHOD I: DIARY STUDY
A 5-day diary study to elicit health-conscious Cornell students’ real time reactions when viewing social media advertisements.
We asked participants to:
Document when they see a sponsored post that grabs their attention
Fill out a Google Form to record their initial reactions, familiarity, and trust in the advertisement
02
Key Insights
01
People rely on others’ opinions and comments to evaluate credibility with familiar content
People trust user-generated content that feels more authentic
People verify the credibility of a product if they are unfamiliar with the creator
People watch advertisements when the product/company’s mission aligns with their personal aesthetic or values
A co-design workshop to better understand how consumption of health-related social media content affects wellbeing and to gain inspiration for our design.
Key Desired Features
Ability to fact-check misinformation & evaluate trustworthiness of ads
Consolidated information displayed in an easily understandable way
High visibility design that forces people to be less passive about their health and media consumption
METHOD II: CO-DESIGN WORKSHOP
doctor recs
comparative software
communal service
rim lights up
DigiCookie
digi_cookie Health Product Delivery Robot idea from our Co-Design Workshop!
DigiCookie
digi_cookie Misinformation Debunking iPhone Case from our
Co-Design Workshop!
DESIGN CONCEPT & PROTOTYPE
01 ONBOARDING
Users input their health-related interests and give access to the app to track their phone cookies.
02 NEWSLETTER
Users swipe through a curated newsletter of articles, recommended products, and wellness tips based on their interests, updated weekly.
03 COOKIE INSIGHTS
Users can view a credibility analysis of the types of advertised content they have viewed and tips on how to protect their wellbeing.
📜 FINAL POSTER
BACK TO TOP
©
2025
| Evelyn Chaewon Kim
