Candidator
Political matchmaking

Candiator
Political matchmaking

Problem

Voters frequently feel under-informed and overwhelmed during elections, leading to anxiety and uncertainty about their choices. Information is fragmented across media outlets and social platforms, often focusing on party positions rather than the specific stances of individual candidates.

Time-poor voters find it particularly challenging to gather and assess relevant information, while existing tools like ABC’s Vote Compass primarily emphasize parties over personal priorities. This lack of clarity contributes to frustration, distrust, and a sense that voting systems, like preferential voting, may not reflect the electorate’s true intentions.

Voters frequently feel under-informed and overwhelmed during elections, leading to anxiety and uncertainty about their choices. Information is fragmented across media outlets and social platforms, often focusing on party positions rather than the specific stances of individual candidates.

Time-poor voters find it particularly challenging to gather and assess relevant information, while existing tools like ABC’s Vote Compass primarily emphasize parties over personal priorities. This lack of clarity contributes to frustration, distrust, and a sense that voting systems, like preferential voting, may not reflect the electorate’s true intentions.

Solution

The design centralises all essential, candidate-focused information in one accessible, digestible platform. Users can Explore to access candidate profiles, regional details, party links, and clear explanations of the political system, reducing confusion and saving time.

Alternatively, users can Take the Test, which maps personal values and priorities against candidates’ actual positions, highlighting “Best Match” and “Other Matches.” Downloadable results support decision-making and provide a tangible reference, helping voters enter the booth prepared, confident, and fully informed about who best represents their interests beyond party lines.

Result

Although this project was created as part of a design course and doesn't exist in the real world, user testing conducted so far offers valuable insights. Testing the high-fidelity designs revealed that the digital experience could effectively help users identify which candidates to vote for — by educating them about the parliamentary system and enabling easy comparison of relevant candidates.

I acknowledge Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. I work on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation and pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging. 

I acknowledge Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. I work on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation and pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging. 

I acknowledge Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. I work on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation and pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging. 

I acknowledge Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. I work on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation and pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging. 

I acknowledge Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. I work on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation and pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.