After doing a few rounds of user surveys, our team categorized the responses into two common problems: 1) no trust in other commenters and 2) no sense of community. While users wanted access to expert opinion, fact checking and real time quality control, they also wanted to feel connected with other commenters and to be able to have smaller and more protected conversations.

We took inventory of other commenting tools to better understand how they were solving these problems.

We experimented with the idea of a 'topics' based comment system. A topic could either be generated through AI, created by the author or by fellow commenters.
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Additionally, in order to maintain a healthy commenting environment, we also thought about including a point system for each user account. As a commenter, you are required to create an account, that account then collects points for highly liked comments and topics. It also holds commenters accountable for toxic comments. If a commenter is reported for harassment, for example, points are then deducted. A low scoring user is subject to receiving a warning and ultimately are banned from commenting all together. View Prototype.

Hivewise is about elevating voices through an online platform that celebrates diversity of thought rather than like-mindedness. We wanted this quality to stand out. We decided to use a bright yellow to exemplify a vibrant culture which the platform intends to cultivate and protect.

When thinking about the logo, repurposing the typical hive cell seemed like the right approach. We liked the optical illusion of a hexagon that also looked like a cube. It illustrates that differences are often just a matter of perspective.