DOS TWO INTERACTIVE BILINGUAL STORYBOOK CASE STUDY
DOS TWO INTERACTIVE BILINGUAL STORYBOOK CASE STUDY
DOS TWO INTERACTIVE STORYBOOK CASE STUDY
Product
Interactive Bilingual Storybook
Timeline
September 2024 - May 2025
Teammates
Mara - Lead Illustrator
Avery - Storyboard Artist
Woody - Video Producer
Fin - Product Designer
Helena - Animator
Juan - Software Developer
Richard - Audio Engineer
Tools
Figma, Adobe After Effects, Phaser Editor, Javascript
THE PROBLEM
THE PROBLEM
Most kids' bilingual reading resources focus on grammar and vocabulary, but overlook storytelling and cultural identity — making language learning feel like a chore rather than a connection. For many Latin American kids in the U.S., this leaves them feeling disconnected from the language and unmotivated to use it.
Most kids' bilingual reading resources focus on grammar and vocabulary, but overlook storytelling and cultural identity — making language learning feel like a chore rather than a connection. For many Latin American kids in the U.S., this leaves them feeling disconnected from the language and unmotivated to use it.
Most kids' bilingual reading resources focus on grammar and vocabulary, but overlook storytelling and cultural identity — making language learning feel like a chore rather than a connection. For many Latin American kids in the U.S., Spanish can feel intimidating, especially when it’s not reflected in the media they love.
How might we digitize a bilingual reading experience that combines engaging storytelling and play to celebrate culture, support language learning, and help children connect with the world around them?
How might we digitize a bilingual reading experience that combines engaging storytelling and play to celebrate culture, support language learning, and help children connect with the world around them?
THE SOLUTION
THE SOLUTION
THE SOLUTION
Let's take a sneak peek into the three features we designed
Let's take a sneak peek into the three features we designed
Let's take a sneak peek into the three features we designed
Integrated animations and audio
Integrated animations and audio
Integrated animations and audio
Every page includes animations kids can tap and explore, creating an interactive reading experience. This sparks curiosity, keeps attention longer, and supports deeper comprehension through visual play.
Every page includes animations kids can tap and explore, creating an interactive reading experience. This sparks curiosity, keeps attention longer, and supports deeper comprehension through visual play.
Every page includes animations kids can tap and explore, creating an interactive reading experience. This sparks curiosity, keeps attention longer, and supports deeper comprehension through visual play.
Comprehension quizzes in both languages
Short quizzes are embedded throughout the story to reinforce understanding of vocabulary and plot. Available in both languages, they encourage reflection, language switching, and cultural connection.
Comprehension quizzes in both languages
Short quizzes are embedded throughout the story to reinforce understanding of vocabulary and plot. Available in both languages, they encourage reflection, language switching, and cultural connection.
A bilingual glossary page
A bilingual glossary page
A bilingual glossary page
The book provides a list of key vocabulary from the story in both English and Spanish, complete with audio pronunciation and simple definitions. It’s a quick-access tool kids can tap anytime to review, listen, and reinforce what they’ve learned.
The book provides a list of key vocabulary from the story in both English and Spanish, complete with audio pronunciation and simple definitions. It’s a quick-access tool kids can tap anytime to review, listen, and reinforce what they’ve learned.
The book provides a list of key vocabulary from the story in both English and Spanish, complete with audio pronunciation and simple definitions. It’s a quick-access tool kids can tap anytime to review, listen, and reinforce what they’ve learned.
Comprehension quizzes in both languages
Short quizzes are embedded throughout the story to reinforce understanding of vocabulary and plot. Available in both languages, they encourage reflection, language switching, and cultural connection.
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Our team conducted ten interviews with Spanish professors, elementary school teachers, and parents of bilingual children.
Our team conducted ten interviews with Spanish professors, elementary school teachers, and parents of bilingual children.
Our team conducted ten interviews with Spanish professors, elementary school teachers, and parents of bilingual children.
The goal is to better understand how storybooks are used at home and in the classroom. Through these conversations, we gained valuable insights into what makes a storybook engaging, educational, and effective for young bilingual learners.
The goal is to better understand how storybooks are used at home and in the classroom. Through these conversations, we gained valuable insights into what makes a storybook engaging, educational, and effective for young bilingual learners.
The goal is to better understand how storybooks are used at home and in the classroom. Through these conversations, we gained valuable insights into what makes a storybook engaging, educational, and effective for young bilingual learners.
Fin and Professor Michelle Young Brown discussing bilingual education
Fin and Professor Michelle Young Brown discussing bilingual education
Fin and Professor Michelle Young Brown discussing bilingual education
Avery interviewing one of the bilingual teachers at a local primary school
Avery interviewing one of the bilingual teachers at a local primary school
Our team visited the Hipocampo bookstore to talk to the author
Our team visited the Hipocampo bookstore to talk to the author and owner
Fin interviewing his cousin who has kids fluent in both English and Vietnamese
Fin interviewing his cousins who has kids fluent in Eng and Viet
RESEARCH SYNTHESIS
RESEARCH SYNTHESIS
RESEARCH SYNTHESIS
From extensive qualitative and desk research, we realize the keys to make a storybook both educational and joyful for kids are
From extensive qualitative and desk research, we realize the keys to make a storybook both educational and joyful for kids are
From extensive qualitative and desk research, we realize the keys to make a storybook both educational and joyful for kids are
The Importance of Visuals and Interactivity
Visuals and Interactivity
Visuals and Interactivity
Cultural Relevance and Family Connection
Cultural Relevance and Family Connection
Cultural Relevance
Bite-Sized Content
Bite-Sized Content
Bite-Sized Content
Audio Repitition
Audio Repitition
Audio Repitition
Games and Quizzes
Games and Quizzes
Games and Quizzes
Comprehension Questions
Comprehension Questions
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
However, while major platforms offer educational tools, they treat storytelling and culture as an afterthought
However, while major platforms offer educational tools, they treat storytelling and culture as an afterthought
However, while major platforms offer educational tools, they treat storytelling and culture as an afterthought
They focus on language mechanics without celebrating the identities behind the words.
They focus on language mechanics without celebrating the identities behind the words.
They focus on language mechanics without celebrating the identities behind the words.
LOW-FIDELITY PROTOTYPING
LOW-FIDELITY PROTOTYPING
LOW-FIDELITY PROTOTYPING
Our first concept focused on building a simple, interactive reading experience that celebrates the story of our main character to pitch to our professors.
Our first concept focused on building a simple, interactive reading experience that celebrates the story of our main character to pitch to our professors.
Our first concept focused on building a simple, interactive reading experience that celebrates the story of our main character to pitch to our professors.
Fin explored different digital book layouts — from full-screen designs to placing the illustration inside a virtual book frame.
Fin explored different digital book layouts — from full-screen designs to placing the illustration inside a virtual book frame.
Fin explored different digital book layouts — from full-screen designs to placing the illustration inside a virtual book frame.
From our interview with Professor Michelle Young Brown, we learned that understanding a child’s dominant language is key. If a child is stronger in English, it’s more effective to read the English text first, followed by the Spanish text. To support this, I included a language preference question in the onboarding flow.
From our interview with Professor Michelle Young Brown, we learned that understanding a child’s dominant language is key. If a child is stronger in English, it’s more effective to read the English text first, followed by the Spanish text. To support this, I included a language preference question in the onboarding flow.
From our interview with Professor Michelle Young Brown, we learned that understanding a child’s dominant language is key. If a child is stronger in English, it’s more effective to read the English text first, followed by the Spanish text. To support this, I included a language preference question in the onboarding flow.
User research also highlighted the value of gamification. Just like a teacher reviewing story vocabulary with students, I reimagined this interaction through playful games that connect English and Spanish text — a concept I dive deeper into later in this case study.
User research also highlighted the value of gamification. Just like a teacher reviewing story vocabulary with students, I reimagined this interaction through playful games that connect English and Spanish text — a concept I dive deeper into later in this case study.
User research also highlighted the value of gamification. Just like a teacher reviewing story vocabulary with students, I reimagined this interaction through playful games that connect English and Spanish text — a concept I dive deeper into later in this case study.
HIGH-FIDELITY PROTOTYPING
HIGH-FIDELITY PROTOTYPING
HIGH-FIDELITY PROTOTYPING
After getting the approval from our stakeholders, Fin rapidly prototyped all different concepts to test. The focus is on simple UI and navigability.
After getting the approval from our stakeholders, Fin rapidly prototyped all different concepts to test. The focus is on simple UI and navigability.
After getting the approval from our stakeholders, Fin rapidly prototyped all different concepts to test. The focus is on simple UI and navigability.
The first important flow is onboarding, where kids need to choose which language is easier for them. If the dominant language is Spanish, then the book will narrate the Spanish text first before the English text.
The first important flow is onboarding, where kids need to choose which language is easier for them. If the dominant language is Spanish, then the book will narrate the Spanish text first before the English text.
The first important flow is onboarding, where kids need to choose which language is easier for them. If the dominant language is Spanish, then the book will narrate the Spanish text first before the English text.
We placed illustrations inside a virtual book frame to mimic a real reading experience for kindergarteners — full-screen felt too much like watching a movie. To support engagement, we also included comprehension questions after key pages.
We placed illustrations inside a virtual book frame to mimic a real reading experience for kindergarteners — full-screen felt too much like watching a movie. To support engagement, we also included comprehension questions after key pages.
We placed illustrations inside a virtual book frame to mimic a real reading experience for kindergarteners — full-screen felt too much like watching a movie. To support engagement, we also included comprehension questions after key pages.
CHARACTER VOICE RECORDING
CHARACTER VOICE RECORDING
CHARACTER VOICE RECORDING
Unlike adults, kindergartners rely heavily on audio repetition to stay engaged digitally.
Unlike adults, kindergartners rely heavily on audio repetition to stay engaged digitally.
Unlike adults, kindergartners rely heavily on audio repetition to stay engaged digitally.
Therefore, we set up a studio session with our voice Actress, Adryana and sound producers to record her reading the finalized manuscript, and interaction feedback.
Therefore, we set up a studio session with our voice Actress, Adryana and sound producers to record her reading the finalized manuscript, and interaction feedback.
Therefore, we set up a studio session with our voice Actress, Adryana and sound producers to record her reading the finalized manuscript, and interaction feedback.
USER TESTING
USER TESTING
We then visited two first-grade classrooms at a bilingual school to test our concept with kids. Our goal was to observe how they interacted with the prototype, gather feedback, and assess its effectiveness.
We then visited two first-grade classrooms at a bilingual school to test our concept with kids. Our goal was to observe how they interacted with the prototype, gather feedback, and assess its effectiveness.
We then visited two first-grade classrooms at a bilingual school to test our concept with kids. Our goal was to observe how they interacted with the prototype, gather feedback, and assess its effectiveness.
I played the role of Dora, inviting the kids to help me click through the story and answer questions along the way.
I played the role of Dora, inviting the kids to help me click through the story and answer questions along the way.
I played the role of Dora, inviting the kids to help me click through the story and answer questions along the way.
TESTING FEEDBACK
TESTING FEEDBACK
TESTING FEEDBACK
Teachers and kids appreciated the animations, clear textboxes, friendly cat characters, playful use of bilingualism, and follow-up questions
Teachers and kids appreciated the animations, clear textboxes, friendly cat characters, playful use of bilingualism, and follow-up questions
Teachers and kids appreciated the animations, clear textboxes, friendly cat characters, playful use of bilingualism, and follow-up questions
Here are some of the feedback quotes we got from the testing:
Here are some of the feedback quotes we got from the testing:
Here are some of the feedback quotes we got from the testing:
ITERATION AND IMPROVEMENT
ITERATION AND IMPROVEMENT
There are still several requests and feedback that our team needs to resolve
There are still several requests and feedback that our team needs to resolve
There are still several requests and feedback that our team needs to resolve
More rhymes and songs make it easier for kids to learn
More rhymes and songs make it easier for kids to learn
More rhymes and songs make it easier for kids to learn
Through testing, it's proven that interactive animations grasp the kids' attention and increase engagement. Therefore, Helena implemented more animations throughout different pages of the book
Through testing, it's proven that interactive animations grasp the kids' attention and increase engagement. Therefore, Helena implemented more animations throughout different pages of the book
Through testing, it's proven that interactive animations grasp the kids' attention and increase engagement. Therefore, Helena implemented more animations throughout different pages of the book
A glossary page is necessary for kids to easily access the word from anywhere they want.
A glossary page is necessary for kids to easily access the word from anywhere they want.
A glossary page is necessary for kids to easily access the word from anywhere they want.
Teachers expect a function where the kids can save the progress of the book so they can come back later.
Teachers expect a function where the kids can save the progress of the book so they can come back later.
Teachers expect a function where the kids can save the progress of the book so they can come back later.
Teachers emphasized the importance of reinforcing learning through context by letting kids explore words in both English and Spanish. In response, we experimented with the bilingual structure of the manuscript and designed interactive elements to support that dual-language discovery.
Teachers emphasized the importance of reinforcing learning through context by letting kids explore words in both English and Spanish. In response, we experimented with the bilingual structure of the manuscript and designed interactive elements to support that dual-language discovery.
Teachers emphasized the importance of reinforcing learning through context by letting kids explore words in both English and Spanish. In response, we experimented with the bilingual structure of the manuscript and designed interactive elements to support that dual-language discovery.
ITERATION AND IMPROVEMENT
DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT
Once the interaction and design are finalized, we spec, ship and collaborate closely with student engineers to deliver the MVP of the interactive book.
Once the interaction and design are finalized, we spec, ship and collaborate closely with student engineers to deliver the MVP of the interactive book.
Once the interaction and design are finalized, we spec, ship and collaborate closely with student engineers to deliver the MVP of the interactive book.
In this stage, it is important to resolve questions in time and provide engineers with specifications regarding user flows, visual assets, and basic front-end code. Our team works with Juan to bring this to life.
In this stage, it is important to resolve questions in time and provide engineers with specifications regarding user flows, visual assets, and basic front-end code. Our team works with Juan to bring this to life.
In this stage, it is important to resolve questions in time and provide engineers with specifications regarding user flows, visual assets, and basic front-end code. Our team works with Juan to bring this to life.
FINAL PRODUCT
FINAL PRODUCT
FINAL PRODUCT
You have reached the end! Take a moment to explore and play :)
You have reached the end! Take a moment to explore and play :)
You have reached the end! Take a moment to explore and play
Please use the "Expand" button on the top right corner to experience the book in full-screen mode!
Please use the "Expand" button on the top right corner to experience the book in full-screen mode!