Working with sustainability, I had a course where I had to make a service more sustainable. I chose Gif-t for this project.

The service originally worked with customers who sought more clicks on their links they sent out from mail. However, in my sustainability project, we opted to target a new group of users for the service. By introducing a function to create GIFs from a link, we envisioned a new way to ensure the safety of links, particularly for users uncertain about their trustworthiness. With these tools, we aimed to assist users in creating a safer online environment and becoming more discerning about what they click on.

Methods

We conducted desktop research to gain insight into the current landscape of similar services and to identify existing safety concerns. This involved analyzing existing platforms and their features, as well as studying reports and articles discussing online safety issues.

Additionally, we conducted interviews with professionals working in the field of online safety to gain a deeper understanding of the major problem areas. These interviews provided valuable insights into emerging threats, common vulnerabilities, and best practices for mitigating risks.

Furthermore, we conducted surveys among potential users to gauge their experiences with online safety and to identify their specific needs. These surveys helped us understand the extent to which users encounter unsafe situations online and what measures they believe would enhance their online safety.