Case Study

ASL University

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Bridging the Gap in Remote Sign Language Learning

ASL University

ASL U is a user-centered remote learning platform designed to address the unique challenges faced by American Sign Language (ASL) students and instructors. Our mission was to create an intuitive, engaging, and accessible solution that fosters community, personalized learning, and real-time feedback.

A Personal Journey

Reaching for the Sky

Losing my hearing as an adult turned my world upside down. I didn’t know ASL, and without my cochlear implants (CIs), communicating was nearly impossible. Technology became my lifeline, but it’s not always reliable—repairs are expensive, and the silence when they fail is isolating. My husband has been learning ASL with me, but resources are limited, expensive, and often inaccessible. We’ve struggled to find tools that truly support this journey. This is why I’m creating an ASL app—something practical, reliable, and accessible for people like me and their loved ones. It’s not just about learning ASL; it’s about rebuilding connection and making communication a right, not a privilege.

A Wicked Problem

Sign language education traditionally depends on face-to-face interaction, which became significantly limited during the COVID-19 pandemic. Existing online resources lack essential features like community practice, personalized tutoring, and progress tracking.

Identify

Problem Statement

Our goal was to create a solution that connects students and teachers seamlessly, providing rich learning experiences.

User A: ASL students struggle to find accessible and interactive resources to learn and practice ASL remotely.

User B: Certified ASL instructors face challenges adapting teaching methods to online platforms.

Discovery

Research & Insights

We conducted surveys, interviews, and a competitive analysis to gather qualitative and quantitative data:

5 interviews with ASL students and instructors.

14 survey responses from potential users.

5 interviews with ASL students and instructors.

Competitive Analysis

Key Findings

Need for Community

Users desire a space for collaborative practice.

Importance of One-on-One Learning

Personalized tutoring drives better outcomes.

Usability Matters

intuitive design is critical for adoption.

Define

Refining the Problem

Using personas and problem statements, we clarified user needs:

USer a: Alex (student)

  • Age: 29

  • Motivation: Communicate with deaf family members.
  • Pain Points: Difficulty finding practice partners, lack of progress tracking.

USer b: Taylor (Instructor)

  • Age: 40
  • Motivation: Expand teaching opportunities online.
  • Pain Points: Limited interactive tools, difficulty adapting methods.
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Develop

Ideation & Prototyping

MoSCoW Matrix

Armed with research, we brainstormed features using a MoSCoW matrix to prioritize:

Must-HAve Features

  • Live video classes.
  • One-on-one tutoring sessions.
  • Progress tracking.

Wireframes

We iterated wireframes into mid- and high-fidelity prototypes, focusing on:

Ease of Use:

  • Clear navigation paths.

Accessibility:

  • Font size adjustments.

Testing & Iterations

We conducted usability testing on key tasks:

  • 1. Signing up for a class.
  • 2. Scheduling a one-on-one session.
  • 3. Tracking progress.

Results

Key Metrics

Task Success Rate

85%

Error Rate

Decreased significantly with clearer navigation.

Design System

Improvements

  • Added a generic sign-up button, enhanced homepage layout, and included interactive date pickers.

Deliver

Final Prototype

Our final solution includes:

  • • Simplified Class Enrollment: Clear, guided flows.
  • • Real-Time Feedback Mechanisms.
  • •Accessible Interface: Enhanced visibility and interaction.

Conclusion

What We Learned

By following the Double Diamond framework, we delivered a thoughtful, user-centered platform that enhances ASL education remotely. ASL U bridges gaps in accessibility and community, empowering students and teachers alike.

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