RÍO NEGRO
Navigating technological disruption:
A strategic partnership supported by Google News Initiative
PRODUCT DISCOVERY • DESIGN • DEVELOPMENT • PRODUCT DISCOVERY • DESIGN • DEVELOPMENT • PRODUCT DISCOVERY • DESIGN • DEVELOPMENT
Challenge
Understand the preferences and expectations of the Rio Negro community regarding mass media to guide the user-centered design and development of a software solution in the wake of technological advancements.
This project was sponsored by Google News Initiative (GNI)
In Argentina, radio has a high penetration rate
of 70%
Project
The project began with immersive field visits and stakeholder interviews to understand the existing challenges.
Collaborative workshops defined the problem space, followed by visual exploration and prototyping. Validation tests ensured alignment with user needs. The process culminated in high-fidelity prototypes and rigorous usability testing, setting the stage for transformative solutions.
Truthfulness
Diario RN has built a brand based on telling the truth. Different users who do not read the newspaper refer to it as “truthful.”
Curating
Content is already being generated from various communities, but is not properly curated.
Audio
Radio has become much more accessible through new platforms, as antennas are no longer essential.
News
Topics relevant to the niche audience were not covered. There is no competition since this need remained unaddressed.
Community media champions:
Informing and engaging small communities in Patagonia.
Experts
People knowledgeable about activities happening in different parts of Patagonia. They create content but lack a strong media structure. This includes sports activities, groups, etc.
Insiders
Staff currently working at Diario Rio Negro. Enthusiastic project advocates, knowledgeable about new formats.
Locals
People from very small communities with little to no access to information who need to stay informed about basic community services on a daily basis.
Spokespeople
Individuals from very small communities who take the initiative to start media projects, despite having little to no training, to cover information deserts at a hyperlocal level.
Insights
People in small cities prefer hyperlocal content and are used to listening to the radio.
We concluded that the media should offer audio content through apps and allow users to send information about their cities at the same time.
Insights
People in small cities prefer hyperlocal content and are used to listening to the radio.
We concluded that the media should offer audio content through apps and allow users to send information about their cities at the same time.
Achievements
Patagonian developed a customized website using WordPress that allows the editorial team to create, edit, and publish news quickly and efficiently.
We optimized the admin panel and built custom templates and plugins to support specific features tailored to the needs of the client.
Achievements
Patagonian developed a customized website using WordPress that allows the editorial team to create, edit, and publish news quickly and efficiently.
We optimized the admin panel and built custom templates and plugins to support specific features tailored to the needs of the client.
We also developed three mobile apps, available in Google Play or Apple Store:
Diario Río Negro
Access to the news, with agile and dynamic navigation.
Club Río Negro
Discounts for subscribers based on real-time location.
DIGO
Local content and general information to listen online.
Ongoing support and regular improvement
Automated content generation
Custom-built plugin that pulls data from APIs or CSV files to create and schedule posts on a variety of topics. AI is used to enhance some of the content and generate more dynamic, non-repetitive text.
Ongoing support and regular improvement
Automated content generation
Custom-built plugin that pulls data from APIs or CSV files to create and schedule posts on a variety of topics. AI is used to enhance some of the content and generate more dynamic, non-repetitive text.