Duolingo
Integrating cultural and speech dialogue with AI avatars in Duolingo for an enhanced language learning experience for new and current users.
My Role
Solo Designer; worked on end to end process
Type
Personal Project
Duration
3 - 4 weeks
TLDR;
Summary
Problem Space
Young adults learning new languages often struggle with mastering cultural norms and customs due to a lack of integrated, practical experiences and cultural context in their language learning tools.
While many language learners use apps like Duolingo to acquire new languages, these platforms often fall short in providing realistic scenarios and cultural insights. Users find it challenging to apply their language skills effectively in real-world situations where cultural understanding is crucial.
How might we?
I wish to address these gaps and explore:
how might we enhance language learning apps to better teach cultural norms and provide realistic practice for effective communication?
Solution
Use AI avatars to practice greetings and cultural customs, with instant feedback to help new users speak confidently.
Results
Metrics
Below are successful metrics during the duration of the end-end process of the project.
75% recommend it to their friends
Users have rated it 8/10 for the overall quality
Users are open to fun & interactive AI avatars
Real world Scenarios
Choose from a variety of real-world scenarios and watch videos on how cultural norms and traditions work in everyday life.
Fun AI Avatars to talk to
Speak with Falstaff the Bear to learn about the latest customs and traditions and engage in realistic conversations.
Design Process
Research
Understanding bi-lingual users
I wanted to understand bi-lingual users about their behavior, what they like and dislike about the current shape of language learning they currently use.
"I want to speak more confidently around friends and family"
"I feel embarrassed going out and not knowing my culture and identity"
The big 3 language apps
I conducted Competitive Analysis between the "big 3" and found new insights that they do not integrate culture and speech and customs in their teachings with the exception of "talk to me in Korean" where it provides video lessons.
2/3 lacks culture in their curriculum
Ideate
Design System
Taking inspiration from Duolingo's current mood board and website guidelines, I used it as reference to create a design system and substituted a google font that's similar to their Feather Bold Typeface.
Final Designs
Reflection
Quick feedback- persist in refining
the process and visuals to constantly
improve the final designs.
Research more into the topics to bring the concepts into its full fruition,