HANGEUL provides a personal and fun experience of
understanding the Korean language on a mobile phone.
In order to make the experience of learning a foreign language feel
less alien, rigid, and boring, I created this app to allow
people of all ages to enjoy a new language in a new place.
The main dashboard consists of Dictionary, Draw/Write,
Camera, Word Fishing (mini game), and Customize,
arranged in a way that users would organize their desktop area at home.
It reflects the element of familiarity and home, emphasizing how learning
can be a comfortable, personal experience, despite being in an unfamiliar place.
features
dictionary
The main search hub shows the users the word of the day and
gives users the option of writing out or typing out the word to search.
The dictionary covers both English to Korean and Korean to English.
draw / write
The draw feature allows users to test out writing the language
and/or mimic words they see on various signs.
The app will provide a list of possible combinations from what the user drew.
camera
The camera feature can detect and directly translate the words
written on products, street signs, books, and more on a real-time camera.
It is effective for travelling, wayfinding, and various situations
that require physical interactions with the language.
Users also have the option to choose a photo from their photo library.
game
Word Fishing is a mini game that tests the users' speed
in interpreting and translating the words they see.
The points earned in the game allows the users to gain the
"currency" in the app which are the red and gold apples.
The apples can be used for unlocking new furniture for their rooms.
* The concept and game interface was not fully developed in the prototyping process.
customize
The Customize feature personalizes the learning process
that although it does not contribute to the actual language learning,
it allows the users to customize the main hub to fit their own
existing room, or make the room look and feel like their home.
Various personalities can be expressed with the furniture options.
process
userflow
Much of the app features are centered around the definition
of a word as it deals with quick input and quick result.
No matter which feature the users choose, they
are guaranteed results on a familiar interface.
wireframes
afterthought
There are still many aspects of the app that are underdeveloped.
The current app only consists of various ways to translate the Korean language.
I also considered incorporating a Lessons feature which allows users to
download separate lessons (grammar, spelling, conversations, etc.) to
enhance their learning experience. However, the addition may lead
to overloading the users with too many features.
I chose to keep the app simple and with a concrete purpose;
which is to help users who find themselves having to physically interact
with another language to find a quick and easy way to understand them.
When I get the chance, I wish to further develop the gamification of the app.
More mini games and a concrete in-app currency system would give the users
more control in what they wish to enjoy and make the learning process exciting.
This app can be expanded to different languages,
each with aesthetics that reflect its cultural identity.
