Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Service , Software, UX, UI
2022
2022
AMI
Before moving to Paris, I wanted to practice my French. I already spoke French but didn't use it in daily life nor did I hear it spoken often around me. Duolingo wasn't meeting my needs due it's primary focus being vocab and also most every French class I could find was either too advanced or too easy.
What I really needed was to be immersed somewhere I could speak French, hear it often, and receive feedback at the same time. All of this inspired my idea for Ami, a service design project tackled during my third year of undergrad.
Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Service, Software, UX, UI
2022
AMI
Before moving to Paris, I wanted to practice my French. I already spoke French but didn't use it in daily life nor did I hear it spoken often around me. Duolingo wasn't meeting my needs due it's primary focus being vocab and also most every French class I could find was either too advanced or too easy.
What I really needed was to be immersed somewhere I could speak French, hear it often, and receive feedback at the same time. All of this inspired my idea for Ami, a service design project tackled during my third year of undergrad.
SCOPE
SCOPE
SCOPE
Design an entire service that includes a web and physical product.
Design an entire service that includes a web and physical product.
WHY
AMI?
WHY
AMI?
WHY
AMI?
There isn't anything like Ami on the market. Short of moving to a place where a language is spoken, it's very difficult to immerse yourself at a level you can still understand what is going on.
AUDIENCES
AUDIENCES
AUDIENCES
Ami's main audiences would be people learning a new language at mid-level. They aren't enough of an expert they'd consider themselves fluent but they also are far beyond beginner stages.
This might include travellers, second language learners, and bilingual families.
Ami's main audiences would be mid-level language learners. They aren't enough of an expert they'd consider themselves fluent but they also are far beyond beginner stages.
This might include travellers, second language learners, and bilingual families.
Ami's main audiences would be mid-level language learners. They aren't enough of an expert they'd consider themselves fluent but they also are far beyond beginner stages.
This might include travellers, second language learners, and bilingual families.
USER JOURNEY
USER JOURNEY
USER FLOW
Someone wants to improve their second language skills.
Having some experience, they are too advanced for rookie classes but also are self-conscious about fluently engaging with native speakers.
They sign up for Ami’s service.
While signing up, the user completes a questionnaire about which skills they wish to improve on.
Ami learning package is sent.
The Ami team assembles a personalized learning package for the user. It contains worksheets, textbooks, and an Ami device.
User practices with Ami.
The user follows the worksheets to speak with Ami. This helps them improve their accent, vocabulary, and fluency. They earn points for using both their Ami device and playing the in-app learning games.
User joins local meetups.
The user can use Ami to join scheduled meetups or classes with other learners in their area (or online!)
They use points to pay for the classes. The only cost is the monthly account fee.
Someone wants to improve their second language skills.
Having some experience, they are too advanced for rookie classes but also are self-conscious about fluently engaging with native speakers.
They sign up for Ami’s service.
While signing up, the user completes a questionnaire about which skills they wish to improve on.
Ami learning package is sent.
The Ami team assembles a personalized learning package for the user. It contains worksheets, textbooks, and an Ami device.
User practices with Ami.
The user follows the worksheets to speak with Ami. This helps them improve their accent, vocabulary, and fluency. They earn points for using both their Ami device and playing the in-app learning games.
User joins local meetups.
The user can use Ami to join scheduled meetups or classes with other learners in their area (or online!)
They use points to pay for the classes. The only cost is the monthly account fee.
THE DEVICE
THE DEVICE
THE DEVICE
I wanted the Ami device to connect with the user. My research indicated that whenever something felt personified, users were more likely to view it positively. This meant that a device with a face was going to perform better than a simple screen.
Ami's cute expressions and organic shape were designed to feel comforting and friendly. I also wanted the device to look nice enough when left alone on a shelf, allowing it to blend into the background of adult users who don't want their homes looking messy.
I wanted the Ami device to connect with the user. My research indicated that whenever something felt personified, users were more likely to view it positively. This meant that a device with a face was going to perform better than a simple screen.
Ami's cute expressions and organic shape were designed to feel comforting and friendly. I also wanted the device to look nice enough when left alone on a shelf, allowing it to blend into the background of adult users who don't want their homes looking messy.
BRANDING
BRANDING
The goal with Ami was to create something warm and inviting that inspired users to pursue their goals.
I chose a colour palette of turquoise, gold, and off white to evoke a beach-y, calm vibe. I didn't want Ami to feel too juvenile nor did I want it to be too corporate. Soft colours helped me strike a balance between the two.
The goal with Ami was to create something warm and inviting that inspired users to pursue their goals.
I chose a colour palette of turquoise, gold, and off white to evoke a beach-y, calm vibe. I didn't want Ami to feel too juvenile nor did I want it to be too corporate. Soft colours helped me strike a balance between the two.
Client
Class
Instructor
Design
Client
Class
Instructor
Design
Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Interaction Design Studio
Hope Akello
Jessica Wynn Cole
Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Interaction Design Studio
Hope Akello
Jessica Wynn Cole
