Fair Use @ WorkTM App: Design and Review of a Prototype of a Mobile App to Help Journalists, Students, and Educators Favor Fair Use of Copyrighted Work

Abstract

This project is a prototype of a mobile application that would help journalists, bloggers, educators, and students determine if copyrighted material can be reproduced according to the Fair Use doctrine of U.S. Copyright law. Development of the mobile application reflects Shedroff’s unified field theory of design. The prototype was developed using free online tools. The app prototype itself incorporates several universal principles of design, as well as legal and ethical principles for journalism and new media. This paper explores the need to clarify Fair Use of copyright. Next, it identifies the target users and their needs. It then explores and details the methodology of designing an online prototype. Lastly, it details the assessment of the prototype.