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Realistic image of 35 year old male military vet in plain clothes sitting at a laptop.

UX Persona Creation and Application

Jason Palmer•February 23, 2024

 

Me:

Please help me by creating four different personas for user experience/user design research. The product they are using is ChatGPT. They are all college students. Two of them are traditional and two of them are non-traditional students. Two of them have disabilities that impact how they learn and use technology. They are all students at a diverse four-year college in suburban Atlanta. Provide other useful characteristics, details, and insights for each of these four different personas: things like what they might use the product for, how they might go about using it, prior experience, etc.

 

ChatGPT:

Sure, I can provide some hypothetical personas for ChatGPT users. However, please note that the following personas are fictional and are based on general assumptions and typical user behaviors, not on real individuals.

1. Traditional Student – Natalie:

• Age: 21
• Gender: Female
• Major: Psychology
• Background: Grew up in a suburban area, comes from a middle-class family.
• Disability: Dyslexia
• Tech Comfort: Somewhat comfortable, uses a laptop and smartphone regularly.
• ChatGPT Usage: Uses ChatGPT for research and writing assistance, especially for tasks that involve extensive reading or writing. Finds ChatGPT’s summarization and paraphrasing features helpful.
• Experience: Natalie has used language assistance tools in the past and is looking for a more versatile tool that can help her with her specific learning needs. She appreciates AI tools that can understand natural language and provide accurate and concise responses.

2. Non-Traditional Student – Jason:

• Age: 35
• Gender: Male
• Major: Computer Science
• Background: Military veteran, came back to college after serving.
• Disability: PTSD
• Tech Comfort: Very comfortable with technology, has experience with coding and software development.
• ChatGPT Usage: Uses ChatGPT to assist with coding tasks, such as generating code snippets or checking for errors in his code. Also uses ChatGPT for brainstorming and project planning.
• Experience: Jason is familiar with AI and machine learning technologies. He values efficiency and accuracy in the tools he uses. He appreciates ChatGPT’s ability to understand technical language and provide relevant information.

3. Traditional Student – Sarah:

• Age: 20
• Gender: Female
• Major: Journalism
• Background: Grew up in a rural area, comes from a working-class family.
• Disability: ADHD
• Tech Comfort: Comfortable with technology, uses a laptop and smartphone regularly. Struggles with focus and organization.
• ChatGPT Usage: Uses ChatGPT for brainstorming and organizing ideas for articles and assignments. Finds the tool’s ability to generate ideas and provide structure helpful.
• Experience: Sarah has used other productivity tools in the past but has found them to be overwhelming or too rigid. She appreciates ChatGPT’s flexibility and ease of use.

4. Non-Traditional Student – Michael:

• Age: 29
• Gender: Male
• Major: Business Administration
• Background: Grew up in a suburban area, comes from an upper-middle-class family.
• Disability: Visual Impairment (Partially Blind)
• Tech Comfort: Comfortable with technology, uses screen readers and other assistive technologies.
• ChatGPT Usage: Uses ChatGPT for research and writing assistance, especially for tasks that involve extensive reading or writing. Finds ChatGPT’s summarization and paraphrasing features helpful.
• Experience: Michael has used other language assistance tools in the past but has found them to be less accurate or accessible. He appreciates ChatGPT’s ability to understand natural language and provide accurate responses.

 

Me:

Now provide a summary for persona #1 (Natalie) that explains how the UX designer of an updated version of ChatGPT could apply the characteristics of the personas (especially the disability information) to an updated version of the ChatGPT interfaces (both web and mobile).

 

ChatGPT:

Based on the persona of Natalie, a UX designer for an updated version of ChatGPT could consider several key characteristics to enhance the accessibility and usability of the product for users with dyslexia:

1. Readable Text: Ensure that the text on the interface is clear, easy to read, and uses dyslexia-friendly fonts such as OpenDyslexic or Dyslexie. The designer can also consider options for adjustable font size and contrast settings to accommodate individual preferences.
2. Intuitive Navigation: Simplify the navigation of the interface by using clear icons and labeling, and avoid using complex or ambiguous language that might be difficult for users with dyslexia to understand.
3. Assistive Technology Integration: Make sure that the interface is compatible with screen readers and other assistive technologies commonly used by individuals with dyslexia.
4. Language Processing Features: Enhance the language processing capabilities of the ChatGPT to provide accurate and concise responses that are easier for users with dyslexia to understand. This might include features like summarization and paraphrasing, as well as the ability to break down complex information into simpler terms.
5. Customizable Settings: Allow users to customize the interface according to their individual needs, such as adjusting the speed of text presentation or enabling visual cues to aid in comprehension.
6. User Education and Support: Provide clear instructions and guidance on how to use the interface effectively, and offer accessible support resources such as tutorials or FAQs.

By taking these characteristics into account, the UX designer can create an updated version of ChatGPT that is more accessible and user-friendly for individuals with dyslexia like Natalie.

 

Me:

Now, taking into account all of the users’ usage characteristics, what specific changes to the ChatGPT interface and functionality should the UX designer consider? Please be as specific as possible, providing examples and explanations of the possible changes.

 

ChatGPT:

Certainly, let’s consider the specific changes the UX designer of ChatGPT might want to consider for each of the personas mentioned earlier:

1. Natalie (Traditional Student with Dyslexia):
   • Interface Changes: Increase font size options, provide a dyslexia-friendly font option, offer adjustable contrast settings, and minimize visual clutter.
   • Functionality Changes: Introduce a summarization feature that condenses lengthy text responses into key points, offer an option to paraphrase complex or jargon-filled responses into simpler language, and provide a spell-check feature that highlights potential spelling errors.
   • Example: Instead of displaying a long paragraph in a single block of text, the interface could provide a summarized version with bullet points, using simpler language and shorter sentences.
2. Jason (Non-Traditional Student with PTSD):
   • Interface Changes: Provide a dark mode option for users who are sensitive to bright screens, offer customizable notification settings, and implement a progress tracker for long tasks to help manage focus and anxiety.
   • Functionality Changes: Introduce a distraction-free mode that hides non-essential elements of the interface, incorporate a timer feature to encourage breaks during long sessions, and add a feature that allows users to save and resume tasks.
   • Example: The interface could include a “Focus Mode” that hides the chatbox and displays only the current task, with a timer and progress bar visible to help Jason track his work.
3. Sarah (Traditional Student with ADHD):
   • Interface Changes: Implement a clear and hierarchical layout, offer color-coded categories for tasks, and provide a task list feature with the option to set reminders.
   • Functionality Changes: Introduce an auto-save feature to prevent data loss due to distraction, include a focus mode that temporarily disables notifications, and add a “Brainstorming Mode” that helps organize ideas into a structured outline.
   • Example: The interface could have a “Task Manager” feature that displays Sarah’s assignments and allows her to set deadlines and receive reminders, helping her stay organized and on track.
4. Michael (Non-Traditional Student with Visual Impairment):
   • Interface Changes: Ensure the interface is compatible with screen readers and supports keyboard navigation, provide a high-contrast mode, and offer adjustable magnification options.
   • Functionality Changes: Implement a voice command feature that allows users to navigate the interface hands-free, offer an audio summary option for lengthy responses, and include keyboard shortcuts for common actions.
   • Example: The interface could have a “Voice Control” feature that lets Michael navigate the interface and access functions using voice commands, reducing the need for manual interaction.

By considering these specific changes tailored to the needs of each persona, the UX designer can create an updated version of ChatGPT that offers a more accessible and user-friendly experience for everyone, taking into account their usage characteristics and disabilities.

 

Me:

Let’s now assume that our different personas all have different cultural backgrounds. What considerations does this place on the UX designer?

 

ChatGPT:

When considering the cultural backgrounds of the personas using ChatGPT, the UX designer should take into account the following considerations:

1. Language and Communication Styles: Different cultures have unique language and communication styles. For example, some cultures may prefer indirect communication, while others may value directness. The UX designer should ensure that ChatGPT’s language models are trained to understand and respond appropriately to these different styles.
2. Visual Design and Color Schemes: Colors and visual design elements can have cultural significance. For example, certain colors may have positive or negative connotations depending on the culture. The UX designer should consider cultural sensitivities when choosing color schemes and visual design elements for the interface.
3. User Preferences and Expectations: Different cultures may have different preferences and expectations when it comes to technology and user interfaces. For example, some cultures may prefer minimalist designs, while others may prefer more visually rich interfaces. The UX designer should conduct user research to understand the preferences and expectations of the personas from different cultural backgrounds.
4. Content and Content Localization: Content on the ChatGPT interface should be culturally sensitive and inclusive. The UX designer should consider the cultural context of the content and ensure that it is appropriate and relevant to all users, regardless of their cultural background.
5. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Cultural inclusivity goes hand-in-hand with accessibility and inclusivity. The UX designer should ensure that ChatGPT’s interface is accessible to users from different cultural backgrounds, including those with disabilities, by implementing features such as multilingual support, culturally diverse avatars, and user-friendly interfaces.

Overall, the UX designer should take a culturally sensitive and inclusive approach when designing ChatGPT’s interface, taking into account the unique needs, preferences, and expectations of the personas from different cultural backgrounds. This will help create a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for all users.

 

Me:

Let’s assign different cultural backgrounds to our personas.

 

ChatGPT:

Sure, let’s assign different cultural backgrounds to our personas:

1. Traditional Student with Dyslexia – Natalie:
   • Cultural Background: Natalie comes from a culturally diverse family with Hispanic roots. She speaks both English and Spanish fluently.
2. Non-Traditional Student with PTSD – Jason:
   • Cultural Background: Jason grew up in a small town in the Southern United States and has a strong sense of Southern culture and traditions.
3. Traditional Student with ADHD – Sarah:
   • Cultural Background: Sarah comes from a multicultural background. Her mother is Chinese, and her father is African American. She is fluent in English and conversational in Mandarin.
4. Non-Traditional Student with Visual Impairment – Michael:
   • Cultural Background: Michael is originally from the Philippines and moved to the United States for college. He is fluent in English and Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines.

With these diverse cultural backgrounds in mind, the UX designer should consider the specific cultural sensitivities, communication styles, and preferences of each persona when designing ChatGPT’s interface. This will help create a more inclusive and culturally sensitive experience for all users.

 

Me:

Now lets make some UX improvement suggestions for each of the personas based on cultural background.

 

ChatGPT:

Certainly! Here are some UX improvement suggestions for each of the personas based on their cultural backgrounds:

1. Natalie (Hispanic Background):
   • UX Improvement: Offer a language option for Spanish-speaking users like Natalie. ChatGPT could have an option to switch between English and Spanish language modes, allowing users like Natalie to communicate more comfortably in their preferred language.
2. Jason (Southern United States Background):
   • UX Improvement: Incorporate elements of Southern culture into the interface design, such as using warm, earthy tones and friendly, informal language. This could help Jason feel more at home while using the product.
3. Sarah (Multicultural Background):
   • UX Improvement: Provide a culturally diverse set of avatars and user interface elements that reflect Sarah’s multicultural background. This could include avatars with different ethnicities and customizable design elements that allow users to express their unique cultural identities.
4. Michael (Filipino Background):
   • UX Improvement: Integrate multilingual support for Tagalog-speaking users like Michael. ChatGPT could include an option to switch between English and Tagalog language modes, allowing users to communicate more comfortably in their preferred language.

These UX improvements take into account the unique cultural backgrounds of each persona and aim to create a more inclusive and culturally sensitive experience for all users.

 

Me:

Do you have any other suggestions for how a UX designer could use these personas to improve ChatGPT? Is there anything we may have missed in the creation of the personas that could lead to a better product and experience for the diverse range of ChatGPT users?

 

ChatGPT:

Certainly! Here are some additional suggestions for how a UX designer could use these personas to improve ChatGPT:

1. Cultural Sensitivity Training for AI: To ensure that ChatGPT’s responses are culturally sensitive and appropriate, the UX designer could work with AI trainers to provide cultural sensitivity training to the language models. This could involve incorporating diverse cultural perspectives and values into the training data and ensuring that the language models understand and respect cultural differences.
2. User Research and Feedback: The UX designer could conduct user research and gather feedback from users from diverse cultural backgrounds to understand their specific needs, preferences, and pain points. This could involve conducting focus groups, interviews, surveys, and usability testing with users from different cultural backgrounds.
3. Localization and Translation: To make ChatGPT more accessible to users from different cultural backgrounds, the UX designer could work on localizing the interface and content for different languages and regions. This could involve translating the interface and content into multiple languages and adapting the design to suit the cultural norms and preferences of different regions.
4. Cultural Contextualization: The UX designer could work on contextualizing ChatGPT’s responses to better reflect the cultural context of the user. For example, if a user asks a question about a cultural tradition or practice, ChatGPT could provide a response that takes into account the cultural context and significance of the tradition or practice.
5. Inclusive Design and Accessibility: To ensure that ChatGPT is accessible to users from diverse cultural backgrounds, the UX designer could work on making the interface and content more inclusive and accessible. This could involve incorporating features such as text-to-speech, screen readers, and voice commands to make ChatGPT more accessible to users with disabilities.

By taking these suggestions into account, the UX designer can create a more inclusive and culturally sensitive experience for all users of ChatGPT, regardless of their cultural background.

 

Me:

Can you give me a good prompt to use for an image generator that could provide me with images of each of these personas? Include the relevant details the image generator would need.

 

ChatGPT:

Certainly! Here’s a good prompt for an image generator that could provide you with images of each of these personas:

Prompt: Generate a set of diverse avatar images representing the following personas:

1. Natalie – A 21-year-old female college student majoring in Psychology. She is of Hispanic descent, has dyslexia, and speaks both English and Spanish fluently.
2. Jason – A 35-year-old male college student majoring in Computer Science. He is a military veteran with PTSD and has a strong sense of Southern culture and traditions.
3. Sarah – A 20-year-old female college student majoring in Journalism. She is of mixed Chinese and African American heritage, has ADHD, and is conversational in Mandarin.
4. Michael – A 29-year-old male college student majoring in Business Administration. He is originally from the Philippines, has visual impairment, and is fluent in English and Tagalog.

Details Needed:

• Gender: Male or Female
• Age: 20-35
• Ethnicity/Cultural Background: Hispanic (Natalie), Southern United States (Jason), Mixed Chinese and African American (Sarah), Filipino (Michael)
• Disabilities: Dyslexia (Natalie), PTSD (Jason), ADHD (Sarah), Visual Impairment (Michael)
• Major/Field of Study: Psychology (Natalie), Computer Science (Jason), Journalism (Sarah), Business Administration (Michael)
• Languages Spoken: English, Spanish (Natalie), English (Jason), English, Mandarin (Sarah), English, Tagalog (Michael)

The image generator could use these details to create a diverse set of avatar images that accurately represent each of the personas.

 

Me:

Please abbreviate that significantly and ask for just one image showing them with handwritten name tags on their shirts.

 

ChatGPT:

Certainly, here’s a more concise version of the prompt:

Prompt: Generate one image of four avatars, each representing a college student with a handwritten name tag on their shirt. Each student should be visibly different, representing the following personas:

1. Natalie: 21-year-old female with Hispanic background, dyslexia, Psychology major, speaks English and Spanish.
2. Jason: 35-year-old male with Southern United States background, PTSD, Computer Science major, English speaker.
3. Sarah: 20-year-old female with mixed Chinese and African American heritage, ADHD, Journalism major, speaks English and Mandarin.
4. Michael: 29-year-old male from the Philippines, visual impairment, Business Administration major, speaks English and Tagalog.

Details Needed:

• Gender: Male or Female
• Age: 20-35
• Ethnicity/Cultural Background: Hispanic (Natalie), Southern United States (Jason), Mixed Chinese and African American (Sarah), Filipino (Michael)
• Disabilities: Dyslexia (Natalie), PTSD (Jason), ADHD (Sarah), Visual Impairment (Michael)
• Major/Field of Study: Psychology (Natalie), Computer Science (Jason), Journalism (Sarah), Business Administration (Michael)
• Languages Spoken: English, Spanish (Natalie), English (Jason), English, Mandarin (Sarah), English, Tagalog (Michael)

Please provide a single image showing all four avatars, each with a handwritten name tag on their shirt.