Make translation real and intuitive.
Overview
Having lived in Nigeria for over 28 years, where the majority of my conversations took place in either Pidgin or English, I was presented with an opportunity to pursue a master's degree in Thailand. The language spoken there was unfamiliar and uniquely different for me, leading me to rely on Google Translate almost every single day. Throughout my interactions using Google Translate, I came to the realization that conveying certain information accurately was often challenging. This difficulty stemmed from differences in referencing or my struggle to find the simplest way to express ideas in translation. It became a daily hustle, navigating these linguistic nuances.
My contribution
Product strategy User research Product design
The team
1 × product designer
Year
2023
Process
Complexity of language and the cultural variations.
This transition highlighted the complexity of language and the cultural variations that impact effective communication. Despite the convenience of Google Translate, there were instances where conveying details seamlessly proved elusive, emphasizing the intricate nature of human language. This linguistic journey in Thailand not only posed challenges but also contributed to personal growth and cultural adaptation.
Rethinking Google translate design features to suit a need.
As I continued my academic pursuits in Thailand, I anticipate further refinement of my linguistic adaptability and exploration of the cultural nuances that make each conversation a unique and enriching experience. The challenges encountered along the way serve as stepping stones, contributing to a broader perspective on the interconnectedness of our global society.
Some of the challenges encountered are as follows:
- Variations in language terms based on country spoken words
- Audio translation
- In-chat translation for easy conversations
- In-Video format translation
Variations in language terms based on country spoken words
During my daily communication process in the food market, transit or getting product for my skin. I realized that there were always some pieces of information I couldn't quite communicate accurately. This was either due to differences in referencing or my difficulty in finding the most straightforward way to translate it.
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Audio translation
When I receive audio recordings from my Thai friends, I find it inconvenient to use Google Translate. Unlike text translation, there's no functionality for audio input, forcing me to resort to online alternatives.
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In-video format translation
Other gaps in Google Translate – there's no in-video translation feature. It would be innovative to have a real-time translation of spoken language within the video itself, eliminating the need for external subtitles or dubbing.
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Introducting Interpret: An upgrade for translation features.
Embarking on the journey of sketching out various concepts has been truly captivating for me. In this process, I delve into a myriad of ideas, fostering a continuous evolution of creativity and innovation. The inspiration often stems from addressing specific problems that I've encountered along the way, adding depth and purpose to the creative exploration.
From concept to reality: Beginning with user flows.
Transitioning from abstract concepts to tangible reality initiates with the meticulous crafting of user flows.
Bringing designs to life: Converting to user interfaces.
These designs showcase the final look and feel of the product. After creating wireframes, I converted them into high-fidelity mockups by adding colors, typography, branding elements, and realistic content.
Introducing image in text translation
To address the challenge of language variations, I proposed an innovative solution involving the integration of images and videos aligned with the original text. This approach aims to provide users with visual aids that transcend linguistic barriers. By leveraging familiar visuals associated with the original text, users can interpret and comprehend information contextually, even without relying solely on translated/target text.
In-video format translation
Introducing an in-video translation feature not only empowers users to translate content into their preferred target language but also facilitates seamless interpretation when they receive similarly translated content from friends and family. This bidirectional functionality not only promotes efficient communication but also ensures a smoother exchange of information across languages, enabling users to effortlessly comprehend and respond in their chosen language.
Image format translation
User could easily translate text within images using, enabling them to understand the content in their preferred language without needing to manually transcribe or type the text for translation.
Outcome
Many of the concepts I've outlined stem from my day-to-day encounters while residing in Bangkok. While these ideas haven't undergone real-user testing, I firmly believe in their potential usefulness not only within the Google Translate app but also across various social media platforms that necessitate audio and video translations.
The diverse linguistic landscape and the need for seamless cross-language communication in such environments inspired these hypotheses, aiming to enhance accessibility and understanding for a broader audience.