Enhancing Data Transparency
on ChatGPT
discipline
User Research, UX Design, Interaction Design, Usability Testing, Prototyping
Timeline
8 weeks
team
Individual project
tools
Figma, Illustrator
goal
In response to data privacy concerns after ChatGPT’s May 2023 breach, my goal is to improve data transparency on this platform by ensuring users have full control over their data and understand how it is being used.
constraints
The design needed to be simple and intuitive, catering to both tech-savvy users and those less familiar with data privacy concerns, or digital platforms in general.
Empowering users the control over their data during ChatGPT’s account registration
The original ChatGPT platform presented its privacy policy deep within the settings, which led to confusion and uncertainty among users regarding how their data was handled. User feedback revealed a clear need for improved transparency and easier control over personal data.
In response, I aimed to inform users about how ChatGPT handles their data and seek their permission before they use the platform for the first time, leading to a redesigned registration flow that includes:
- Educating user how ChatGPT handle their data.
- Empowering them on the control over their security and privacy
- A user-friendly design with clear, simplified language to ensure it’s easy for anyone to understand.
before
Original app
👎 ChatGPT's privacy policy is accessible only on their website but not within the chat interface.
👎 Limit communication about policy updates, such as pop-up notifications within the app.
👎 Limit/No options for users to control the data collection and usage preferences within the chat interface.
after
redesign app
✅ Simplified, user-friendly access to the privacy policy during onboarding.
✅ Pop-up windows educating how data is collected and used.
✅ Selectable boxes are utilized so users can manage their data privacy.
Identifying user challenges and delivering effective solutions
Solutions:
- Pop-up windows during registration to clearly explain data usage, eliminating confusion and fostering trust.
- Data control toggles that allow users to easily opt in or out of data sharing.
- Accessible privacy policy, which is displayed upfront during sign-up, so users don’t have to search for it later.
Building on the popup window idea, I brainstormed ways to educate users about ChatGPT's data handling process, finalizing it into three main prompts: #1 informing users, #2 empowering users, and #3 confirming their choices (top-right image).
I began transforming the ideas into low-fidelity wireframes for the prompt screens, exploring layouts and content placements to balance simplicity and clarity while incorporating visual cues for better engagement (lower image).
From research to design iterations
During the Discover and Define phase, I conducted a literature review, competitor analysis (Google, Microsoft, Facebook), and user interviews, revealing that most users lacked awareness of data processing and wanted more control. Using these insights, I created personas representing various age groups.
Problem Statement:
“How might we enhance data integrity on ChatGPT to ensure users understand and control their data, thereby building trust in the platform?”
I developed low-fidelity wireframes that featured pop-up notifications and opt-in toggles.
Initial user feedback indicated that while the wireframes were a good start, more emphasis was needed on simplifying the language and increasing the visibility of privacy settings.
Conducted a competitor analysis of other tech companies.
Google stands out for its data transparency, with "User Data & Privacy" prominently featured as the first option in the Google Account settings.
I retained the original style guide since this project focuses on improving ChatGPT, not redesigning it.
Comparison of initial and final high-fidelity designs for prompt #1, focused on informing users.
my initial design
❌ No back button
❌ Complicated and long text
❌ Overly compact layout
❌ Low visual hierachy
final design
✅ Added back button
✅ Simplify text
✅ Hover effect makes it more interactive
✅ Improved visual hierarchy
Comparison of initial and final high-fidelity designs for prompt #2, aimed at empowering users to choose how they want to secure their data.
my initial design
❌ Complicated and long text
❌ Overly compact layout
❌ Low visual hierachy
final design
✅ Added back button
✅ Simplify text
✅ Interactive hover effect
✅ Improved visual hierarchy
✅ Progression bar
✅ Simplify wording
Final Design
The final design incorporates:
- Pop-up windows that inform users about how their data is handled during registration.
- Data control toggles that allow users to easily opt in or out of data sharing
- A simplified privacy policy, accessible during onboarding, that uses straightforward language and is broken into easily digestible sections.
I built an interactive prototype in Figma and tested it with participants who regularly use ChatGPT. The testing focused on how easily users could understand and control their data with the new features.
Key Results:
- 85% of participants felt they better understood how ChatGPT handles their data.
- 90% of users felt more in control of their privacy, thanks to the new toggles.
- 95% found the privacy policy easier to access, reducing confusion and boosting confidence in the platform.
improved user flow
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Reflection
In the future, I plan to:
- Expand user testing to include a broader demographic, ensuring the design works for users of all backgrounds and tech familiarity.
- Add more interactive privacy settings, such as sliders for data sharing preferences and real-time feedback on changes.
- Create educational content to help users better understand privacy policies, with FAQs and interactive guides available directly on the platform.
