Designing the Indijin App
Timeline
12 weeks (Apr 2022—Jul 2022)
PLATFORM
Ios and Android App
Methods
Qualitative research, user interviews, usability testing, UI/UX design
MY ROLE
UI/UX Designer
Introduction
Indijin is a revolutionary language-learning app that brings the richness of African languages. Empowering individuals worldwide to embrace the diverse linguistic heritage of Africa. With over 2,000 distinct languages spoken across the African continent.
One of the key features that sets Indijin apart is the focus on localization, ensuring that learners receive an authentic and immersive experience.
My Role
I lead design, collaborating with Illustrators(Yunus, Oyinloye), Engineers (Seye, Taofeek) and product managers (Yinka) throughout this project.
Problem
An increase in immigrants, to another continent. There is a lack of time or interest by the offspring of immigrants to learn or speak their languages. It takes a lot of time to find a good school, teacher, or language learning app, and if they still prefer to study personally. So they give up opportunities to learn something new.
80%
150k+
Goal
Comprehensive Language Curriculum:
A comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of African indigenous languages. Users can choose from various languages such as Swahili, Yoruba, Zulu, Hausa, Amharic, and many more. Each language is given equal importance, enabling users to explore and appreciate the linguistic richness of Africa.
Engaging Learning Materials
provision of a variety of engaging learning materials, including interactive lessons, audio recordings, videos, quizzes, and cultural insights. Users can listen to native speakers, practice pronunciation, and learn about the cultural context in which the language is spoken. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and connection to the language and its cultural roots.
Cultural Enrichment
In addition to language learning, the app incorporates cultural elements to provide a holistic learning experience. Users can explore traditional African music, art, literature, proverbs, and folklore associated with the languages they are learning. This cultural immersion fosters a deeper appreciation for the African heritage and promotes cross-cultural understanding.
Here's how we did it!
Following design thinking, here is a breakdown of the process while building this product.
First, Research
RESEARCH INSIGHT
Learnings from research
Interviewees complained about unavailability of language choice on this platforms.
Interviewees complained about inconsistent in learning materials.
They complained about long and generalized learning content for all study material.
Most interviewees want a dedicated application to African indigenous languages.
70% of the respondents have tried a learning service in the past, Most interviewees want to a well structured, engaging and cultural enriched content.
PERSONAS
Who will use this product?
I came up with 2 user personas for the indigenous learning experience, these personas helped guide design decisions throughout the project.
Ethan Miller, 25yrs
Location: Nigeria
A self-proclaimed tech bro, he works for a leading tech company. He attends conferences, trade shows, and networking events. Ethan is passionate about technology, gadgets, and staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends. He is known for his outgoing personality, always eager to strike up conversations and make connections.
Goal
To acquire proficiency in African languages, gain a competitive edge in the market.
Show commitment to his culture.
Excel in his role as a vendor and elevate his professional brand.
Pain Point
Establishing a strong business relationships and connect with potential clients within African.
Language barriers
Aisha Ndlovu, 19yrs
Location: Canada
A female student of African immigrant descent. She was born and raised in a multicultural city and has always had a deep connection to her African roots. Aisha's parents immigrated from Zimbabwe, and she grew up in a household where English was predominantly spoken. However, Aisha has a strong desire to reconnect with her heritage and learn the languages of her ancestors.
Goal
To strengthen her connection to her cultural heritage and family roots.
To communicate effectively with her extended family and actively participate in conversations, celebrations, and family rituals.
To preserve and pass down her family's linguistic traditions to future generations.
Pain Point
Feeling a disconnection from her African heritage.
Struggle to communicate with older family members and relatives.
Language barrier.
Process
Design Sprint
I conducted design sprints to facilitate collaboration across cross-departments. The product manager and engineers contributed their ideas and aligned everyone on the same goal.
Final Design
Here's a detailed walkthrough of the app.
Usability Testing & Customer Interviews
Onboarding
Indijin has over 150+ African languages to learn, users can choose several options at once or learn individually. For the best program curriculum, it is ideal for users to pick their level of proficiency and take a test within 5 minutes.
12:22
Take our test within 5 Minutes
This will helps determine the best learning part for you.
Start
Already speak a little Hausa?
Answer a few questions to find your level!
Main screen
On the main screen users can practice different exercises and challenges. Users can switch between available learnable languages, they can also track their progress.
Dumble Challange
Beginner
1 activity
Trava Challange
Advanced
1 activity
Bubble
Challange
Intermediate
5 activity
Set your Learning Goal
Learning should always be fun, let help you channel yours today.
News Title
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May 6,2022
Hausa
Welcome, Oluwatosin
0
12:22
Home
Learn
Full Access
Profile
Set your Learning Goal
Learning should always be fun, let help you channel yours today.
Trava Challange
Advanced
1 activity
Milestone 2 (Level 20)
Congratulations you’re almost there
Challenges/Exercises
They are grouped into 4 exercise types: match words, right option, match image, speech to text. The tasks make the exercises interesting and engaging, so users want to continue practicing and improving their skills.
Beginner
1 / 3
Intermediate
4 / 6
Expert
7 / 10
Intro
0
0
0
0
12:22
0
0
0
0
12:22
Home
Learn
Full Access
Profile
Lead board
The introduction of Lead Board, is to foster healthy competition amongst the community.
599
Jenny Wilson
593
Wade Warren
450
Jane Cooper
445
Albert Flores
Leadboard
12:22
Home
Learn
Full Access
Profile
670
Esther Howard
2nd
700
Guy Hawkins
1st
600
Jacob Jones
3rd
Shop
Purchase and gifting of game coins (cowries), to help foster learning.
$ 7
Purchase 70 Cowries
100
$ 20
Purchase 270 Cowries
270
$ 50
Purchase 500 Cowries
500
Shop
Purchased crowies will be used in purchase of life or gifted to friend.
12:22
Home
Learn
Full Access
Profile
Gift a friend
What I learned
A visually appealing, culturally sensitive, and user-friendly experience for a language app. Will enhance user engagement, promote effective learning, and create an immersive experience that celebrates African cultures and languages.
I learned a new approach to solving complex problems, and also got to understand the importance of surveys and interviews. I got involved in testing and it helped me understand why user testing is important.
Future
Bug fixes
For a project, even though we have already fixed plenty of bugs, there are bound to be minor bugs.
Pre-launch optimization
This is a crucial next step in improving the product.
Continue better design experience
To follow through with the product roadmap and brand design system.
Thank you for reading through!