Final year project
Sign translator [Read more]
Sign translator
Around 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss, and 34 million of these are children. They are more likely to have poor mental health and suffer from depression and anxiety, feeling lonely and isolated. According to National Deaf Children’s Society 78% of deaf children attend mainstream schools, where other children don’t know sign language, which makes interactions much more difficult.
I decided to create a translation tool which will help them grow into confident adults able to communicate with others despite the language barrier. At the same time, other children will get used to this communication method, as they adapt much quicker than adults, and won’t feel uncomfortable in approaching a deaf person in their adult life, resulting in much more welcoming society.
Sign translator user interface
Simple yet bold. The user interface is kept to minimal as the goal of the app itself is not to be in the centre of attention but to be a tool to help with the conversation of two children. That’s is why I didn’t use a rich illustrative interface, which could distract them from the original goal. I focused the creativity on the avatar which is the most important element of the app. The child’s attention will be mainly focused on the interpreter, therefore I wanted it to be something stimulating, I used the cartoon style, which they are familiar with and the character could be used as the starting point of the conversation.
Sign translation user flow
My biggest priority of the user journey was to limit the steps the user must go through to minimum. In translation it is important that the tool itself does not get in the way and doesn’t interrupt the conversation too much. Therefore, I tried to contain the translation process to 3/4 steps and thanks to simple interface design and standard navigation elements, already known to the user, I ensure that the actions are fast and without any unnecessary distractions. The extra settings and features are contained in menus available when needed.
Sign translator sketchbook
Before working on user journey and wireframes I listed the most important features I wanted to include. I used this opportunity to explore how those features could work and look like.
Sign translator wireframes
Once happy with the features and user journey I began working on wireframes to test how those features would look and work together. The wireframes gave me a good understanding of the space I was working with and how I should use it to maintain correct information hierarchy. It also allowed me to see how easy and hard it is to follow the layout, which I could improve in the development stage.
Budgeting app
1 in 4 people in the UK are struggling with mental health, money and mental health are often intricately linked, one problem feeding another. Especially in times when jobs aren’t secure anymore and the whole world is going into Lockdown with unclear future.
Managing money became very important during the Covid-19 pandemic. The budgeting became much more stressful than it already was, therefore, the app like mine became much more needed. The app allows to add multiple bank accounts and credit cards so the user can see their financial situation as a whole image and not as individual elements. The user can see daily, monthly and yearly reports of how they use their money, see patterns and abnormalities like impulsive buying. To control those, the app gives them ability to budget and set goals for their spending and savings, as well ensure that they are on top of their obligations like bills or debt repayment.
Budgeting app user interface
The biggest challenge while working on the app was its interface. I had to ensure that the app presents the information clearly and quickly, but at the same time doesn’t overwhelm already stressed user. Another aspect was the app’s accessibility; while working for user group with very diverse needs often opposing each other, I had to find the perfect balance for each element. Due to the fact I couldn’t test my idea, it was very difficult to develop the idea. I had to put myself in the user’s position to the best of my ability and see if the position, size, colour of the elements and image representation like emojis are helpful.
Sandra Anna Glowniak
Solving real life problems with real life solutions. As a designer I focus on forward-thinking human-centred designs, with an aim for smooth and pleasant interactions with a product that educates, challenges and entertains by creating an experience that people want to go back to.
Inspired by humans, their behaviour and thinking, I aspire to create design solutions that not only improve the quality of life and interactions but also aim to create a pleasant, emotional response towards the brand or product. During my studies at Loughborough University I realised that I excel the most in briefs that challenge me both intellectually and creatively. To see the world from the user perspective is difficult and requires thorough research, but thanks to years spent on improving my interpersonal skills and creative processes, I developed a comprehensive approach to a good quality research, allowing me to understand potential needs and worries of my audience. Throughout my studies I allowed myself to explore multiple design disciplines including editorial design, branding, illustration, animation and user experience/interface design, which allowed me to see my designs as part of something bigger than just an individual element, see how these elements interact and influence each other, and using their advantages to create content aware solutions. As my journey with user experience and user interface just begins, I see it as a great opportunity to learn and build on my fundamental skills gained during the degree, to fully unleash my creative potential.
Final year project
Sign translator
Awards
'18 Glyndebourne Tour Art Competition - Shortlisted, Title: "Desire", Acrylic Painting