Why inHandy?

I decided which solution to focus on by process of elimination. My process depending mainly on two factors:

• Accessibility
• Cost

This left Sign Language/Lip reading most favourable amongst the list. Not only is it the cheapest option, but the process of learning can be done anywhere. Learning Sign language is also especially helpful in situations where hearing aids are too pricey and a hospital operation is not favourable. It is the easiest solution to result to and also the most effective when it comes to learning about the d/Deaf community.

This is important because not only does it act as a bridge for the communication gaps between deaf and hearing, it raises awareness of the communities as well. Which is necessary in order to avoid unintentional offence or discrimination and reach a point where inclusivity is the foundation of the community.

Sign Language is also very beneficial for the development of communication with children as they grow older. One of the benefits of children learning sign language is that it gives them the ability to communicate their needs during their development years. I believe that Sign Language has the potential to be a privilege a handful of families would benefit from even if it is just learning it to a basic level.

In my analysis of existing applications/methods of learning BSL, most existing applications lacked in:

• Interactivity - To maintain User interest whilst learning
• Memory - User retention of the information being taught to memory.
• Cognitive Overload - Too much information given over a time period.

Organisation and presentation of this information is important Studies have shown that students in a classroom regardless of age benefit from a more engaging and 'fun' learning experience. Fun in learning allows an individual to develop a love for learning, having a knock on effect on their motivation levels.

Growth Engineering mentions an example where the company Volkswagen, as part of their Fun theory', turned a staircase into a giant functioning piano keyboard. A recorded 66% more people chose the piano stairs over the normal one. This study is a prime example of how fun, engaging and interactive technologies can transform the way people behave in situations that would normally be seen as tiring.

Language + Movies

Another example of how the use of a visual stimulus improves the User learning experience is in foreign movies.

Watching a foreign movie with subtitles is known as a good way to pick up certain words or phrases in that foreign language. Examples include the screenshot above taken from the TV series 'Lupin' which was originally filmed in French. Watching the series on Netflix gives the option to watch in French with English subtitles which is great for both English individuals trying to learn French and French individuals trying to learn English.

Studies demonstrate that one of the main benefits of films in a foreign language is the fact that it provides the most authentic example of the language being used in a real-world scenario. It exposes the natural expressions and conversational cues hence placing the user in an environment where information can be received and retained in a more engaging manner.

Inspiration: Language learning application

Duolingo

The popular language learning application, Duolingo is the perfect example of how teaching using game-design and game principles is an effective way for a user to learn an entirely new language.

The screenshot on above displays the formatting of a test like question providing graphics that are also visually stimulating. This keeps any user active and engaged throughout the learning experience.

Feedback on the User progress can also be noticed at the top. This is incredibly helpful in informing the user of exactly how much work they are doing and can act as either a source of motivation or discouragement.