How I Bridged the Language Gap to Reduce Traveler Anxiety and Increase Confidence by 30%
Bridging the Language Gap: Reducing Traveler Anxiety with Real-Time Translation, AR Navigation, and Refined Emergency Features by 40%.
A glimpse into the project functionalities
Eliminate Alienation: Users want to be able to travel without the fear of feeling alienated and alone.
Prioritize Safety: Wanting to feel safe while exploring the world with a sense of confidence
Foster Immersive Experiences: Desire of having an immersed experience to uncover the essence of travel
Language Barriers Abroad - Ohio University: https://www.ohio.edu/goglobal/language-barriers-abroad
Survey of 25+ frequent travellers highlighting the impact of language barriers on travel experience
Started with considering the problems to solve
HMW make language recognition seamless without the user needing to input it each time manually?
HMW provide real-time translation for a more natural flow?
HMW reduce the number of steps to complete essential tasks within the app?
HMW streamline the onboarding process to focus on core features immediately?
HMW allow users to navigate their surroundings using visual cues, not just a map?
HMW build in a discreet 'quick-access' feature to access emergency phrases in high-stress situations?
HMW create an option to share real-time location with trusted contacts in case of an emergency?
Initial sketches
To validate the initial design, I conducted user testing with 10 participants focused on core features like emergency access, AR navigation, and translation. Results showed a 60% success rate in task completion, an 80% positive user experience rating, and 60% targeted feedback for usability improvements.

Activities and outputs
Detour! Testing Assumptions, Refining Features with User Feedback Shapes
Initial focus on core features limited user discoverability
I redesigned the homepage for better feature discoverability. This included showcasing the main feature alongside essential tools like emergency phrases and a language guide. Additionally, I also streamlined navigation menus and the onboarding process, minimizing unnecessary steps to help engage with core features immediately.
AR navigation goes beyond directions, creating an immersive travel experience
I’ve utilizes AR technology to overlay directions directly onto the user's surroundings via their camera, providing seamless visual guidance and cues especially helpful for walking navigation.
Prioritizes robust safety features with intuitive access, empowering users in stressful situations
I focused on refining the emergency feature by addressing traveller anxieties, I added a discreet 'quick-access' option for emergency phrases and the ability for users to share real-time location with trusted contacts.