Sunny Ly - Translation App

Thai-Later: A Fun Thai to English Translation App

Role: Designer, Researcher, Presenter | Timeline: April 2025 - May 2025 | Tools/Skills: Figma, Photoshop, User Testing, Design for Accessibility, User Research

Project Description: For this final project, I designed Thai-Lator, a language translation app that helps bridge the cultural and communication gap for non-native Thai speakers. The app focuses on translating not just literal language, but also idioms, tone, slang, emojis, and real-world phrases that often confuse learners and those with cognitive disabilities.

Thai-Lator combines accurate translation with contextual meaning, interactive learning, and a fun, engaging user experience. Playful visuals, friendly prompts, and real-life conversation scenarios make language learning feel approachable and enjoyable. The app features 15 distinct screens and three core user flows: real-time audio translation, text/camera-based input for printed materials, and organizing saved translations for ongoing study. With visual explanations and dynamic examples, Thai-Lator helps users build comprehension, cultural awareness, and communication confidence in a way that's both educational and enjoyable.

Learning Outcomes

• Applied inclusive design principles to accommodate cognitive disabilities and non-native speakers.

• Developed user flows that address complex language translation needs.

• Designed 10-20 distinct screens focused on clarity, usability, and accessibility.

• Integrated multiple input methods: text, camera, and audio.

• Created a UI kit and branding to ensure visual consistency.

• Built an interactive prototype demonstrating core user tasks.

• Developed personas and user tasks grounded in research.

• Designed a responsive landing page for app promotion and download.

• Learned to communicate design decisions effectively through presentations.

• Explored optional features like micro-animations and external device support.

App Prototype