1. Simplifiying finding a partner

An issue we noticed with competitors is how the user is thrown into finding their ideal partner by scrolling through an endless contact list to choose from. That list layout presents to the user the excessive list of options they have and is visually overwhelming.

I designed a key feature that is the Connect tab. It is inspired by the format of dating apps, where you swipe left or right depending on whether you'd like to connect with that person or not.

Creating one person's card to take up the entire screen allows the user to focus on the option presented to them in that moment.

The match cards are simplified to bring clarity to the essential information needed for selecting a partner:

• What languages do they speak and are learning?
• What is their language proficiency level?
• Interests for easy talking points and things to bond over
• Communication preferences, hours available and time commitment
• Country located and time zone hour difference

These features allow for an effortless process in connecting with your ideal language exchange partner amidst the daily demands of life.

2. A space for real conversations

Conversational skills learned through traditional apps like Duolingo and traditional classroom settings are structured, unable to replicate the rawness of real conversations.

Based off our interviewees, conversational preferences ranged from asynchronous/text-based conversation to live conversations. Some were busier than others, which explained why they prefered apps like Duolingo versus talking apps.

We kept this in mind by allowing the user to select and display their communication preferences and commitment levels that shows to other users. This helps users to be aware of potential matches and their preferences so expectations are set before they even match.

Chat is where the user can view their matches, and of those who they have started chatting with. The user is able to text, audio/video call, and send voice recordings just how they would with commonly used messaging apps. They have access to a calendar where they schedule time to talk with their partners.

This creates accountability where needed, and meets the user at their level of comfort.
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3. Making learning comfortable

There is a lot to think about when having a conversation with someone new, especially when it's in a foreign language.

All our interviewees had some level of fear of embarrassment or making mistakes, making it intimidating to practice a foreign language with someone who is more fluent than you.

Here are a few ways Connectin aims to ease that intimidation:

• Conversational cards
  I suggested creating talking points that users could reference if there was a moment of silence, or they didn't know what to say. Anything that fostered authentic communication and allowed the user to talk about something besides "Hey, how are you?" and any other basic phrases they memorize.
• Correcting mistakes
  This can feel awkward! Inspired by Apple's iMessage for editing texts, we implemented a button to correct someone's written mistake, so that they can visually see how to fix it. This provides a gentle reminder without having to overthink about correcting your partner.
• Group settings
  Some interviewees preferred learning in group settings because it helped remove any pressure on them to navigate the conversation. Inspired by competitors and apps like Houseparty or Discord where you can join in on a group call. It's up to the user whether they want to be an active participant, or if they want to just listen. This tends to different needs giving the user as many resources within the app to expose themselve to the language.