OVERVIEW
Learning Korean Through AR Games
ROLE
UX Designer
TEAM
UX Designer (Me!) UX Designer
DURATION
Mar 2021 - Aug 2021
SKILLS
User Research
UIUX Design
Character Design
3D Modeling
Prototyping
IMPACT
CHALLENGE
Lack of diversity in Korean language education systems
Hangeul is the only writing system with documented origins (created 1443), yet Korean language education has only a 60-year history. As Korean culture spreads globally among younger generations, demand for effective content is rising.
Current Hangeul education relies heavily on rote memorization, but Gen Z learners who value experiential learning need more engaging approaches.
Key Insight
Unique Visual Characteristics
Hangeul characters often resemble recognizable images, leading learners to memorize them through visual association.
Pronunciation Quality Issues
Users were dissatisfied with app pronunciation quality and wanted to hear native speakers.
Unfamiliar Combinatorial Principle
Unlike linear writing systems, Hangeul combines elements into syllable blocks, which many learners find unfamiliar.
DEFINE
Key insight: Three-way disconnect
SOLUTION
Learning Hangeul Through Spatial AR Storytelling
We designed an AR learning app, KoLing. In KoLing, King Sejong, the creator of Hangeul, needs help recovering scattered books. Learners explore the map to find these books, then learn Hangeul through games to restore and protect them.
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
To ensure a fun and intuitive learning experience
We designed KoLing with:
One feature per page for clarity
Simple, guided AR interactions
Location-based storytelling
KEY DESIGNS
Explore map randomly and find a learning book!
When learners start KoLing, the first thing they see is their location on a 3D map, which shows the name of the area, the street, and nearby buildings.
Learning Through Games
Step 1. Learn Characters - Understand Principles
Learners understand Hangeul's formation principles through games designed to match each letter's characteristics.
Step 2. Listen and Repeat - Practice Pronunciation
Learners listen to pronunciations and practice speaking while seeing illustrated examples of how characters combine.
Step 3. Listen and Write - Apply Knowledge
Learners hear a pronunciation and write the corresponding characters. Hints are available if needed.
ADDITIONAL FEATURE
'The Letter' Game - Building a Global Learning Community
As learners discover pronunciation games along their route, they hear recordings from peers at different skill levels, leave their own voice, and earn rewards for contributing. This transforms solitary language study into shared cultural exchange where learners support each other's growth.
ONLINE USER TESTING
Test and Iterate
Task-based testing evaluated KoLing's usability and interface clarity.
Iterations:
Merged listening/speaking stages per user feedback; added separate writing stage
Changed from vertical scrolling to horizontal swiping to clearly differentiate learning stages
