Enhancing Internal Communication: Designing an Intranet with Google Workspace; Addicted by Design: Short-Form Content Design and Consequences to Mental Health

We’ve all heard the saying, “Time is money.” A thoughtfully designed User Interface (UI) not only has the ability to capture and retain your attention for the financial benefit of social media corporations, but is also leveraged to increase employee productivity in a business environment. Since the UI is the point of interaction with an application, it directly affects the user experience, ultimately impacting profits, regardless of whether the user is a customer or an employee. For my Computer Science Capstone project, I chose to write about my experience as a Web Services Intern during the summer after my first year. I was tasked with developing a company intranet using Google Sites to improve internal communication and streamline access to resources. For my STS research project, I chose to analyze the design strategies of short-form social media content platforms through the lens of how it shapes user behavior in contrast to its long-form counterpart. In order to address the ethical concerns surrounding increased social media consumption by society, it is crucial to understand the intersection of UI design, algorithmic influence, and the resulting psychological effects. By examining how interface elements guide user interactions in different settings, I was able to consider both the technical and ethical implications of design choices in modern software development.

To support the internal operations of a growing IT start-up, I designed and implemented an intranet using Google Sites, leveraging the organization’s existing Google Workspace infrastructure. This solution was chosen for its cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and integration with tools like Google Calendar, Drive, and Meet. My methodology involved continuous feedback from employees to guide design decisions, resulting in an intuitive layout that emphasized usability over complex customization. Despite limitations in Google Sites’ scalability and styling capabilities, the project successfully delivered a centralized hub for announcements, employee tools, and an embedded directory, improving accessibility and providing more efficient workflows. While the full integration of the intranet into daily operations occurred after my internship ended, employee feedback during development was positive, and the design met all specified requirements. The project ultimately demonstrated how even limited platforms can be adapted into functional, user-centered solutions.

My STS research study explored how short-form content platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts use specific design features, such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, and algorithmic recommendations, to increase user retention. Specifically, I examined the psychological effects of this design on young adult users. Recognizing the significance of social media addiction is a rising concern, particularly among younger demographics growing up with more accessible technology. I conducted literature review and ethical evaluation to investigate how these platforms exploit cognitive vulnerabilities for profit. Drawing on digital media theory, empirical studies, and psychological research, the evidence indicated that short-form content contributes to more compulsive behavior, reduced attention spans, social isolation, and symptoms of anxiety and depression in users compared to long-form content. I concluded that while short-form platforms succeed in maximizing engagement, they do so at considerable psychological and ethical cost, particularly for impressionable users. This research highlights a need for more responsible design practices and public awareness around mindful media consumption.

School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Technical Advisor: Rosanne Vrugtman
STS Advisor: Pedro Augusto Francisco