PRODUCT DESIGN / EDTECH
Sylby: A pronunciation coaching platform for non-native German speakers
🏆 Winner of the grant EXIST 2021, Germany
In 2022, the project was successfully launched as a start-up.
Mission
Design a language learning app from scratch
Deliverable
User research
User testing
Competitor analysis
Interactive prototype
Team
2 UX/UI designers
2 developers
3 linguists
Duration
6 month
April 2021 - September 2021
Facts
In the past decade, Germany has become a top destination for immigration in Europe.
Net migration rate (difference between the number of immigrants and emigrants) by region per 1000 inhabitants in 2015.
Source: swissinfo.ch
Number of immigrants in Germany from 2010 to 2020Source: statista.comMany foreigners
moving to Germany need to integrate
socially and professionally as fast as possible.
More facts
Language is one of the first bareer
to a proper integration in a new country.
Source: nysiaf.org
Language bareer
is the problem
we want to solve
with Sylby.
We created a survey
and gather quantitative data
to have a first overview.
Key results
The research shows that pronunciation
is not covered enough in traditional education.
Time to dig some qualitative data:
We interviewed foreigners living in Germany
to understand their difficulties.
And we visually summed this up with an Empathy map.
We believe that by creating a pronunciation app
with personalized feedback
for language learners,
we will be able to improve their communication skills.
We compiled
the results of this research
into personas.
Emotional journey map
After a brainstorming session,
we prioritized the features for the MVP.
Now, let’s have a look at the competition.
Saturated? Sure thing.
But there is a gap in the market.
Contrary to its competitors,
Sylby offers a
fully customized learning experience
thanks to machine learning.
How does that work?
The digital coach
detects which phonemes the user needs to improve.
Every day, the user will receive a customized program.
Branding:
Design competitor annalysis.
In contrast to other offerings in the market, Sylby has a distinct aesthetic that prioritizes simplicity and minimalism over a cute, colorful design.
Sylby’s Brand Attributes
We believe this approach will better meet the needs of our target audience, and provide a more effective language learning experience.
Preliminary moodboard
Final moodboard
Illustration library: Open peeps (Pablo Stanley).
Using Open peeps was a cheap way to personalize the app with engaging visuals for the prototype.
The goal was to hire a professional artist to get the illustrations done, thanks to the grant.
