Volu
Speak a new language confidently & volubly
Volu is a prototype for an AI language practice companion designed to support international college students in improving their spoken fluency. The concept addresses common barriers such as low self-confidence and limited opportunities for real conversation. Volu offers a low-pressure, accessible way for users to practice speaking a second language through on-demand, natural interactions.
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Team
Acalapati (Cal) Priyatama – Prototyping Lead
Colin Cheng – Visual Lead
Challenge & Results
Many international students struggle with speaking a second language, despite being able to read and write it well. Most learning tools overlook regular speaking practice, leaving students unprepared for everyday conversations and lacking confidence, especially when studying abroad.
Volu is a prototype voice assistant that helps users build fluency through realistic, scenario-based conversations and cultural tips. A companion app offers group practice, visual guides, and optional VR support, creating an engaging and accessible way to improve speaking skills and confidence.
Research
To guide the development of Volu, extensive research was conducted to identify the challenges faced by language learners, especially international students. A survey was distributed to a diverse group of respondents, alongside in-depth interviews with several international students. This research revealed significant barriers to conversational fluency and cultural adaptation, underscoring the need for a solution that enhances speaking confidence and integrates cultural learning, shaping Volu into an effective language learning tool.
87%
of respondents felt struggled when talking with native speakers
69%
of respondents do not feel fully confident when speaking their secondary language
81%
of them believe that would affect their fluency of speaking
"When I was in Vietnam my teachers just taught me the grammar and writing but I think they rarely let the students have a chance to speak English" - Respondent from Vietnam
"You know, in China there are lots of vocabulary and I have really good grammar. But we can't speak for ourselves. We never tried it. My teacher say. I listen. That's it." - Respondent from China
"I think for me the most difficult part is speaking. I rarely speak I just listen because I feel very shy" - Respondent from Hong Kong
Ideation
The ideation phase focused on creating a physical prototype to complement the smartphone app, enhancing the user experience of Volu. This dual approach allows users to engage with a tangible device while accessing app features, fostering a more immersive language learning environment. Sketches and early renders were developed to visualize the integration of the voice assistant and app, ensuring seamless functionality for practicing speaking skills and cultural understanding.
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