Representation & Bias Audit

Representation-and-Bias Audit: Step-by-Step

1. Choose one design to examine.
   Select a familiar interface, platform, AI feature, video game system. Keep the focus narrow—for example, character creation, content recommendations, account registration, difficulty settings, captions, or an AI image generator.
2. Document what the design does.
   Include a screenshot or brief description. Identify its purpose and the choice or action it asks the user to make.
3. Identify the assumed user.
   Ask whom the design seems built for. Consider:
   • Age, language, culture, or location
   • Gender, race, or appearance
   • Physical or cognitive ability
   • Technical skill and internet access
   • Available money, time, or equipment
4. Find evidence in the design.
   Point to one specific feature—such as wording, images, default settings, character options, controller requirements, data collection, or missing accessibility tools—that reveals this assumption.
5. Identify an excluded or marginalized perspective.
   Name one person or community that may be overlooked, misrepresented, stereotyped, or prevented from participating. Do not claim to speak for that group; focus on what the design includes or leaves out.
6. Describe one consequence.
   Explain what could happen because of this design choice. The consequence might involve access, safety, dignity, visibility, privacy, cost, belonging, or opportunity.
7. Make one specific redesign decision.
   Propose a concrete change—not simply “make it more inclusive.” For example:
   • Add customizable controls or captions
   • Expand character, body, or identity options
   • Replace a biased default
   • Reduce unnecessary data collection
   • Offer low-bandwidth or low-cost access
   • Revise labels, images, or AI training examples
8. Explain how the redesign shares power more fairly.
   In two or three sentences, connect your decision to Fair Share. Who gains access, choice, visibility, protection, or control?
9. Check for new problems.
   Ask whether your redesign could create another barrier or unintended consequence. Revise it if needed.
10. Copy the List below and Post as Week 7 (category: Task) 

• Design audited:
• Assumed user:
• Evidence:
• Excluded or marginalized perspective:
• Likely consequence:
• Redesign decision:
• How this supports Fair Share: