Drawn to projects that involve big picture thinking and address complex, multifaceted problems. Driven by human empathy, user interactions, and participant data to create meaningful and impactful experiences. Deep understanding of human behaviour and decision making, and prioritisation of ethics.
Abair Liomsa (Irish for ‘Speak to Me,’ and pronounced ‘aw-ber lum-sa’) is a language acquisition service for young Irish adults who are looking to build their confidence and ability in speaking the Irish language. The service takes the form of a bilingual book club, where users can learn at a self-determined pace, through the progressive translation of each book from English into Irish. It also provides personalised feedback on learning progress and fosters community by connecting a group of people who share an inherent desire to speak their native language.
The service aims to equip users with the skills, confidence, and support they need to re-engage with the Irish language after leaving second level education in Ireland.
This short video gives an overview of what Abair Liomsa is, how it is structured, and what a user can expect from the service.
The project incorporated elements of Systems Thinking, working to visualise the entirety of the problem, and understanding not only the problem that users are currently facing, but how that problem is integrated into and impacts other areas of Irish society.
With a topic as culturally important as the preservation and revival of endangered language, it was important to understand that this wasn’t just one topic of research. There were several topic areas that intertwined, making this a complex and multifaceted problem to approach.
1. Irish History
Understanding why Irish people no longer speak Irish, and how generational trauma around speaking the language can filter into younger generations. Understanding that preserving a language also means preserving a culture, their stories and traditions.
2. Behaviour Change Theory
Using behaviour change theory as the baseline that underpins each decision made through the design process. Acknowledging that we as humans have basic needs that need to be met in order for us to have the motivation required to create lasting behaviour change. Taking time to consider how to best meet those needs as a service.
3. Language Acquisition in Adults
Seeing that the majority of currently acknowledged language acquisition theories are formed based on how a child acquires language. Working to understand the differences in how an adult, with a more logical and developed thinking system in comparison to a child, might acquire a language. Providing them with all of the tools that they may need to do so.
4. Psychology
Acknowledging that adults tend to follow social norms, have solid mental models and schemas, feel anxious when putting themselves out there. Working to deconstruct negative mental models around speaking Irish, and reconstructing those mental models in a more positive and inclusive light. Providing social support.
Gathering information from all of these different topic areas and working to design a service does justice to each of them. Using current technology trends and design principles to create something that feels instinctive, cohesive, and helpful to the user.
I worked where possible with users or proxy users to get an understanding of their motivations and desires. Over the course of the project I worked with a total of 26 participants and users.
This phase involved managing a complex research plan and speaking to 11 participants over the course of my data collection.
Used several different research methods such as;
The combination of these techniques helped me not only to understand what participants were saying and doing, but also showed me what they were thinking and feeling in regards to Irish and speaking the language. This enabled me to be empathetic in my approach going forward.
This phase involved building a service based on my insights from research and sessions with potential users.
I worked with 15 users on;
In this phase I focused on making iterations and developing the design concept based on the needs, desires, and uncertainties of the users. This helped me create a service that would fit within the lives of the users and compliment their existing knowledge and capabilities.
Prior to working on this project, I relied on a very linear way of thinking and approach to work, I was very clinical and structured due to my background working in psychology and psychological research.
This project has taught me a lesson in engaging with the ambiguity of this type of work, being led forward by the findings of each step rather than implementing a rigid or inflexible plan at the beginning. I found value in questioning where the ambiguity and uncertainty was coming from and asking myself what I could do to use that to my advantage moving forward. I was able to grow and learn a lot from working in this way and it is an approach I will carry forward with my into my future projects.
Abair Liomsa empowers users by enabling them to be completely autonomous in their learning.
It alleviates fear by pitching users at a level that they are comfortable with.
And it increases accessibility and relevance of the Irish language by translating stories that are well known and loved in Irish culture.
