PROBLEM STATEMENT
The problem
English plays a crucial role in current the globalized economy. Studies into the job landscape of Vietnam have shown that less than 10% of the workforce possesses job-required English skills. The English skill gap is a substantial obstacle not only to any individual’s career prospects but also to the operation and growth of Vietnamese firms, keeping Vietnam from moving upstream in the global value chain.
The ineffective English language training programs, with a lack of emphasis on communication skills and a mismatch between language, learned and real-world communication needs, are key contributors to Vietnamese professionals's unqualified language proficiency.
Gaps in existing solutions
Current solutions like Duolingo or Babble have not yet addressed these problems effectively as they lack focus on English for specific industries. In addition, language in these apps is often presented in discrete phrases without full context, which underdevelops sociocultural acumen in communication
My approach
To bridge this gap, my approach involves developing a specialized English language training program tailored to workplace communication needs of Vietnamese professionals across various industries. This program will emphasize communication skills that are directly applicable to real-world job scenarios, ensuring that learners acquire not only the language but also the cultural and contextual understanding necessary for effective communication in their specific fields.
The training will be designed to integrate industry-specific vocabulary and communication strategies, with a strong focus on practical application through role-playing, simulations, and case studies. This approach will also include full-context language learning, where phrases and dialogues are presented within relevant cultural and professional contexts, enabling learners to develop a deeper understanding of how language is used in real-world interactions. By aligning the training content with the actual communication needs of Vietnamese professionals, this program will help close the English skill gap and support Vietnam's progression in the global value chain.
THE PROCESS
Need Analysis
The process began with comprehensive user research to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by Vietnamese professionals in learning English. This involved conducting interviews with potential users from various industries as well as developing a Literature Review from existing research on English Language Learning in Vietnam. The goal was to gather insights into users' language learning habits, preferred methods, pain points, and expectations from a language learning app.
I also conducted a competitive analysis of existing language learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. This helped pinpoint the gaps in the current market and informed the unique features and functionalities that the new app should offer to address the specific needs of Vietnamese professionals.
Design
Based on the research findings, I developed detailed user personas representing different segments of the target audience. These personas were used to map out user journeys, highlighting the key interactions and touchpoints that users would experience within the app.
The next step was to prioritize the features that would be most beneficial for users. Emphasis was placed on industry-specific language learning, contextualized communication practice, and sociocultural acumen. The app’s functionality was designed to be intuitive and accessible, with a focus on personalized learning paths and interactive elements that would keep users engaged.
I created low-fidelity wireframes to outline the basic structure and layout of the app using Google Slides. These wireframes served as a blueprint, detailing the placement of key elements such as navigation menus, content areas, and interactive components. The goal was to ensure a logical flow and easy navigation while keeping the design clean and user-friendly.
Image: FitSpeak's Interaction Flowchart
Development
Once the wireframes were approved, I developed high-fidelity prototypes using tools like Figma. These prototypes included detailed visual elements, such as color schemes, typography, and icons, as well as interactive features that allowed stakeholders to experience the app’s functionality firsthand. The prototypes were shared with a select group of users for feedback, which was invaluable in refining the design.
Implementation and Evaluation
The prototypes were tested with real users to gather feedback on usability, aesthetics, and overall user experience. Based on the feedback, I made iterative changes to the UI design. This included refining the navigation structure, adjusting the layout for better readability, and enhancing the interactive elements to make the app more engaging. Each iteration was tested and reviewed until the design met both user needs and project goals.
After several rounds of iteration, the final UI design was completed. This included all visual elements, interactive components, and user flows. The design was then documented in a detailed style guide, ensuring consistency across all screens and future updates.
FINAL PRODUCT
Description
FitSpeak, a personal language-learning AI coach. Leveraging the flexibility of mobile learning, FitSpeak empowers Vietnamese young professionals with both proficient English communication skills and sociocultural skills necessary to excel in today's interconnected workplace. The app is guided by task-based language learning (TBLT), which focuses on language learning through engaging in authentic tasks that simulate real-life scenarios. Based on the entrance assessment, a personalized training plan with industry-specific content is curated to meet learners' needs and levels. Language is presented in real-world workplace scenarios with interactive exercises. Using the power of AI, Fitspeak provides rich, detailed feedback on not only language use but also sociocultural competencies such as eye contact, enthusiasm, and turn-taking time. Finally, a smart knowledge organization feature, My Locker, is incorporated to help learners track, reflect, and transform passive knowledge into active operational competencies.
Result
The design received a high evaluation score from faculty members at Teachers College, earning 18 out of 20 points. Additionally, it was selected for presentation at the 26th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction.
