Marlon Vargas

SpeaCare User Testing

User testing of the SpeaCare app prototype with nursing trainees, examining its impact on both professional skills and German language acquisition.

Default image

SpeaCare was developed by Lingocare and MESO. The prototype was funded by the “Hessen Serious Game” program, supported by the Hessian Ministry of Economics.

Year

2024

Purpose

Project at MESO

Work

User Testing

UX Interviews

Photo & Video

Tools

Descript

Team

Sebastian Oschatz, Anton Brams, Petra Rahn, Agata Carolla, Dilek Tuncay

Project

SpeaCare by Lingocare is a digital learning app that supports nursing trainees with language barriers by combining vocational training with targeted German language learning. Through scenario-based exercises, gamification, and interactive materials, it helps future nurses build both professional and linguistic skills, reducing dropouts and easing the workload of educators.

Goals & Results

Timeframe

One day

One day

One day

Goals

  • Gather real and precise information about how users, including teachers and trainees, use the app and what they think of it.
  • Documenting data for UX improvements to the app.
  • Generate content for promotional and fundraising materials.
  • Gather real and precise information about how users, including teachers and trainees, use the app and what they think of it.
  • Documenting data for UX improvements to the app.
  • Generate content for promotional and fundraising materials.
  • Gather real and precise information about how users, including teachers and trainees, use the app and what they think of it.
  • Documenting data for UX improvements to the app.
  • Generate content for promotional and fundraising materials.

Results

The user test helped the team refine the app’s experience by uncovering usability issues, identifying bugs, and highlighting areas for improvement. The accompanying documentation and fundraising video were well received and helped secure investment.

A hand holding a smartphone showing the RED Thread App, behind and art work reflecting the same content as the app
A hand holding a smartphone showing the RED Thread App, behind and art work reflecting the same content as the app
A hand holding a smartphone showing the RED Thread App, behind and art work reflecting the same content as the app

Testing protocol

For the prototype testing, we simulated a normal class with a group of trainees, with the support of teachers Agata and Dilek. The phases of the test are as follows:

Still from Interview showing emma sitted looking directly into the camera
Still from Interview showing emma sitted looking directly into the camera
Still from Interview showing emma sitted looking directly into the camera

Walkthrough during a normal class

With the help of the teachers, we explained how the testing would work and answered questions. We also separated the trainees based on whether or not they consented to appearing in the documentation. The teachers then started their normal class while we gathered data and made notes.

Still from Interview showing Helin sitted looking directly into the camera
Still from Interview showing Helin sitted looking directly into the camera
Still from Interview showing Helin sitted looking directly into the camera

Practical exercises

Practical exercises are very important for developing language skills. This has been integrated into the SpeaCare app. During testing, students practised scenarios with the assistance of teachers. The students recorded this on their tablets for later dialogue and learning.

Still from Interview showing Bruna sitted looking directly into the camera
Still from Interview showing Bruna sitted looking directly into the camera
Still from Interview showing Bruna sitted looking directly into the camera

Interviews, Feedback & Data collection

After the class had finished, we interviewed the volunteers and teachers. We also held a discussion with the entire group, who gave us feedback about the app and mentioned any bugs and issues they had found. They also shared their suggestions for improvement. This information is being used to continue developing the app.

My role in the project

A floating laptop surroanded by a red thread in spiral form
A floating laptop surroanded by a red thread in spiral form
A floating laptop surroanded by a red thread in spiral form

Testing assistance & spokeperson

During the testing process, I provided assistance to the trainees, answering questions about the test, how to use the app and its development.

a man looking at his phone, next to him a big marmol statue with signal waves coming out from the inside
a man looking at his phone, next to him a big marmol statue with signal waves coming out from the inside
a man looking at his phone, next to him a big marmol statue with signal waves coming out from the inside

Documentation video & photos

I photographed and recorded the entire test for documentation purposes, as well as for the later generation of a fundraising video.

Two phones, showing two features of the RED THREAD app
Two phones, showing two features of the RED THREAD app
Two phones, showing two features of the RED THREAD app

Conducting the interviews

After the test, I conducted and recorded the interviews of the teachers and trainees.

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