FANTALINGO
ROLE
Product Design Lead
DESCRIPTION
Seeing the flaws in current tools, I led a team to create a language-learning app that redefines the experience. By drawing on our diverse backgrounds, we made it about more than words—focusing on embracing culture. As a project lead, I was deeply involved in curating the product vision and the 3D experience for Fantalingo
DELIVERABLES
Interactive Prototype, Interactive AR Effects
TIMELINE
March 2024 - May 2024 (12 weeks)
TOOLS
Figma, Blender
TEAM
Ha Yeoun Kim, Vivian Au Duong, Vivian Guan, Ha Eun Cho, Maddy Lee, Minh Phuc Nguyen, Jiarong Song, Emily Ghang,
Julie Kim, Charlie Nam, Songwon Kim, Minseok Jang
THE PROBLEM
Why Eastern Language
Learners Drop Off
English speakers learning Eastern languages often find apps frustrating and disconnected, with 60% citing repetitiveness and only 1% of users reach advanced proficiency
RESEARCH
Rethinking Language Learning
Along with Julie, Jiarong, and Emily, I investigated how young English speakers learn Eastern languages. Conducting interviews with 10 language learners, we found that traditional tools fall short in providing practical, engaging, and context-rich experiences, revealing three distinct learner types with unique needs that current apps don't address.
The interest driven learner
Mei’s passion for Korean hip-hop drives her to learn the language, but she finds Duolingo too basic and craves a richer, more immersive experience that connects with her cultural interests.
Be in the real world
Users love learning new words by naming things around them, which helps make real-life connections.
EXCITED INSIGHTS
The surprising ways people learn languages
By moving beyond the limitations of current technology, we uncover unexpected and intriguing methods that people use to learn languages. This exploration reveals innovative and often overlooked approaches that go beyond conventional tools and techniques.
THE NORTH STAR
An immersive Language
Learning Experience
People learn languages not just to speak them but to dive into the culture. We set out to create an app that's immersive, engaging, and helps users improve their language skills more efficiently.
LEARNING DESIGNS
Redefining levels of language proficiency
We moved away from the usual SAT vocab approach to focus on natural language use. We begin with everyday basics, then cover less common topics like dinosaurs and abstract concepts, and finally explore advanced language with cultural depth, such as idioms and slang. Our goal is to offer users a complete, immersive learning experience.
Basics
Things that are right in front of you (a pen, a tree)
Intermediate
Objects not easily visible or
hard to find
Intermediate
Abstract Concepts
Advance
Idioms/Slangs
TECHNOLOGIES
Define your own learning journey
To make learning more immersive, we use Augmented Realities (AR) and computer vision with two entry points. AR adds digital elements like a virtual cow when learning about words that aren’t right in front of you. Computer vision helps the app recognize and interact with words you see up close. This makes language and culture exploration fun and interactive.
IDEATIONS
Contextual Learning for Deeper Vocabulary and Cultural Insights
We design our experience to deepen vocabulary understanding. Users start with a word like 'bear' (クマ, kuma), progress to sentences like 'The bear is roaring' (クマが吠えている, kuma ga hoete iru), and explore related idioms. This approach is used selectively for words that benefit from deeper context. Once a word is learned, users can 'keep' it as a 3D object in their virtual space.
3D model created by Vivian Guan
Game designed by Jiarong Song
Games for Well-Rounded Educational Experiences
Emily Ghang, Jiarong Song, and Julie Kim had create fun, interactive games where players earn points while practicing speaking, reading, and writing in a new language. Whether exploring fantastical worlds or recognizing everyday objects, learners stay engaged while expanding their vocabulary.
Gamification and Collaboration
to Boost Retention
By implementing a scoring system that rewards users with points for learning new words or winning games, we encourage ongoing engagement with the application. Users must also practice collected words and explore new usages to retain them in their vocabulary. Additionally, users can collaborate with others, forming teams to compete for more points and further enhance their learning experience.
LOW-FI WIREFRAME
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FINAL PRODUCT
A fantastic way
to learn languages
After two months and five iterations, including a heuristic evaluation, we successfully delivered the MVP for Fantalingo.
Object Identification and Real-Time Translation
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With Object Identification, Fantalingo lets you scan real-life objects and instantly learn their names in your chosen language.
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Just point your device at something, and you’ll get the word and its pronunciation, making learning practical and fun.
Learn with AR and Imagination
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With AR mode, Fantalingo lets you bring your imagination to life. Just activate AR, search for whatever you’re thinking of—like a cow, even if one isn’t around—and it’ll pop up in your view.
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This cool feature turns abstract concepts into interactive experiences, making learning engaging and hands-on.
Level Up Language Skills with Fantalingo Games
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Boost your language skills with fun games like Simulated Words for vocabulary, Alphabet Falls for memorization, and Escape Room for reading.
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These engaging activities make practicing speaking, writing, and conversation enjoyable and effective, helping you build fluency and confidence.