Animal Kingdom Learning App
Project Overview
It has been found, scientifically, that teaching kids(4-6yrs) about animal names and sounds helps them develop their grasp over language. For this project, our team designed an interactive app for kids(4-6yrs) to make learning fun.
My Role: Product Designer, Lead Programmer
Duration: 3 weeks (Nov 2021)
Team: 2 people
Contribution: Research, UX Product Design, Programming, User Testing
The Problem
Kids of the age group of 4-6 yrs have a limited vocabulary of 300-500 words, limited reading abilities & motor skills.
“How might we make learning about animals & their sounds interactive, fun & engaging for kids(4-6yrs)?”
The Solution
Key features of Animal Kingdom Learning App,
1. Voice assistance for kids with two modes of operation, Learn mode & Game mode.
2. Real-time fun visual feedback, motion graphics and realistic icons for kids.
3. Positive encouragement language to keep the kids motivated.
Web App Link - Animal Kingdom Interactive App 🔗
Key Features
1. Using realistic UI icons for kids
2. Instantaneous visual feedback
3. Adding animation visual feedback
4. Using encouraging language & visual feedback
5. Adding voice assistance for instructions
DESIGN PROCESS DETAILS
Research
Goal was to understand the mindset of kids, what drives them, what stimulates them. I read articles & observed kids playing.
Key Insights
1ST DESIGN ITERATION
I designed first iteration of interactive app with teammate Jinny Kang. Below are the features,
1. Two modes of interaction.
2. In Learn Mode, kids can learn the animal names and their sounds by alphabet letters.
3. In Game Mode, kids have to identify the correct animal by its sound from 3 options.
4. Voice assistance.
5. Simple interaction gestures like key presses and mouse presses.
1st Iteration Screens
Click on below pictures to see enlarged view.👇
Illustrations
Courtesy: Jinny Kang
Usability Test
I conducted 3 usability interviews. User 1 (4 yrs, California), User 2 (4.5yrs, India), User 3 (5yrs, California).
Key Insights from Usability Test
1. Kids find animal sounds with each new animal illustration display fascinating.
2. Kids adapt to keypress in 2-3 rounds of playing.
3. ‘Learn mode’ & ‘Game mode’ buttons are difficult to recognize.
4. Mouse Click is difficult Vs. Key Press.
5. Kids can hardly read, more audio & visual cues are necessary.
Final Design
1. Using realistic UI icons for kids
2. Instantaneous visual feedback
3. Adding animation visual feedback
4. Using encouraging language & visual feedback
5. Adding voice assistance for instructions
Key Takeaways
Reflection
1. Voice assistance in the app is absolutely essential as kids(4-6yrs) have very limited reading capabilities.
2. Animal illustrations have great impact in imprinting information on kid’s memory.
3. Instantaneous feedback is very important has kids low attention span.