Role
UX Design, Prototyping
Tools
Figma
Timeline
April 2024 - 24 hours
Overview
Dillo is an app that helps families with hard of hearing children to learn more about American Sign Language. Dillo offers lessons that include enjoyable bedtime stories families can interact with alongside their children. This app was created in response to the createSC 24 hour design hackathon that featured over 250 members. Our team received runner up out of 60 teams.
Product Overview
Prompt
Develop a mobile application platform aimed at enhancing accessibility and enriching the entertainment experience for individuals needing medical accommodations.
Problem Statement
How can we make ASL learning resources accessible and engaging for families with hard of hearing children?
Engagement Challenges
Learning ASL can feel daunting or uninteresting without engaging and interactive methods that captivate both children and parents.
Family Involvement
Effective ASL learning hinges on active participation and support from parents or guardians, who often lack the necessary knowledge and tools to teach ASL effectively to their hard of hearing children.
Lack of Resources
Many existing ASL learning resources do not prioritize accessibility, making it difficult for families with hard of hearing children to find materials that meet their needs.
User Research
Navigating Challenges in Hearing Family Dynamics
Due to time constraints, primary research was not feasible, so we relied on existing data from reputable sources. Our findings revealed a critical gap: over 90% of deaf children are born to hearing families with limited knowledge of deafness. Early hearing screenings are underutilized, leaving families without clear pathways for accessing essential language and communication support.
Our target audience includes families with hard of hearing children who face challenges in accessing adequate language and communication support. This includes parents and guardians who are pivotal in their children's educational journey, as well as the hard of hearing children themselves who benefit from early intervention and language development tools.
User Engagement
The app incorporates gamification elements such as progression and interactive challenges to keep children motivated and eager to learn
Intuitive Design
Dillo employs intuitive design principles such as clear navigation menus, visual cues for interactive elements, and simple instructions that guide users through activities and lessons effortlessly
Connecting Families
Dillo enriches family learning through interactive American Sign Language experiences, promoting shared learning moments and meaningful engagement between parents and their hard of hearing children
Low fidelity prototypes
Wrapping Up
Project Takeaways
Participating in this hackathon was an incredibly rewarding experience. Collaborating with my team on Dillo was both fun and challenging, especially given the 24-hour time constraint. Despite the pressure, I learned a great deal from everyone involved. Witnessing Dillo's development and seeing the innovative ideas from other teams was inspiring. The hackathon was an eye-opening experience, showcasing the potential for many great apps if given the opportunity to develop further. Overall, it was enjoyable and significantly boosted my confidence and skills in design thinking under tight deadlines.
Learning Outcomes
The hackathon honed my design thinking skills, enabling me to apply user-centered design principles and excel in rapid prototyping. Effective project management was essential, enhancing my time management and task prioritization under tight deadlines. Teamwork and collaboration were key, teaching me to communicate effectively, align on a shared vision, and adapt to different working styles. These experiences have significantly boosted my confidence and skills in technical development, design thinking, project management, and teamwork.