YAPO: AI Language Coach
Problem
Many language learners experience a fear of speaking a new language, which can be discouraging and frustrating.
Solution
An AI-language learning buddy that gives real-time feedback and connects users to a community of other learners
Timeline
10 weeks
My Role
Product Designer, User Researcher
Tools
Figma, FigJam
60% reduction in navigation errors
50% increase in task completion
125% increase in feature discoverability
Speaking a new language causes anxiety that stops learners from practicing.
About one-third of language learners experience xenoglossophobia—the fear of speaking a new language. This fear blocks progress, reduces practice frequency, and makes real-world conversations intimidating.
From user interviews with 8 learners, immersion and real-time speaking practice emerged as the strongest unmet needs. Learners wanted to practice in low-pressure scenarios, get instant feedback, and build confidence before speaking to others.
Competitive analysis also revealed a gap: no major language app combines real-time speech practice, instant feedback, and community support in one platform.
An AI-powered speaking buddy that gives real-time feedback and helps learners build confidence through practice and community.
The product centers on 2 core features:
Real-time AI conversation practice
Insight: Learners feel intimidated speaking in front of others and want a low-pressure way to practice aloud.
Solutions:
AI speaking buddy to simulate real conversations so learners can practice anytime without fear of judgment
Instant pronunciation and grammar feedback
Suggestion bubbles to help users start conversations
Community & local event discovery
Insight: Learners struggle to find communities or situations where they can use their target language in real life.
Solutions:
A community forum to find nearby cultural and language events, helping learners apply their skills in supportive environments
Small UI tweaks significantly improved usability
Testing showed that users repeatedly missed or misunderstood the microphone and voice-only icons. Adjusting their placement and clarity led to major improvements in task completion and navigation.
Focusing on core user needs kept the scope clear
Interviews showed that speaking anxiety and real-time feedback were the most important needs. Focusing on these early helped avoid drifting into unnecessary features.
