Case study 3: A language app
Sealgar was contracted to create a simple phrasebook style app that exchange students travelling between Scotland and Ireland could use. The list of phrases to be included was provided by the funders, and it was specified that each phrase must have accompanying audio by a native speaker, but the rest of the requirements were quite open.
It was decided to design the app as a pack of cards. Each phrase would be on the "A" side, and a sensible (and modifiable) response would be on the "B" side. A flip animation would allow the user to easily swap between question and answer.
The phrases were split into categories, and then each card was decorated with a suitable image. For these, live-action shots were chosen rather than illustrations, as it was felt this gave the app a less educational and more contemporary feel.
Audio was recorded with native speakers, edited and embedded in the app, so it could be used without needing an internet connection. The modern opus codec was used to keep the app size as small as possible, even with all the files available on local storage.
Finally the ability to search for a specific phrase was added, beta testing was completed successfully, and the app was launched on the Apple and Android app stores.