Exploring how UI/UX design can enhance communication and learning of Scots Gaidhlig
Location
FA-256
Department
Art + Design
Abstract
This research and design project will explore using UI/UX design to support and enhance the engagement of reading and consuming media in Scots Gaelic through a bilingual design interface of a Life, Arts, and Culture website that will define and celebrate the language for speakers and learners through contemporary writing and media coverage. Although there are publications and online sources for Gaelic speakers and learners, through my research, I noticed that one thing that could enhance a learner's experience was a design layout that I saw used in the website design of an online record of the city of Glasgow's Gaelic history (Glaschu.net). The creators integrated a bilingual component into the UI design layout of English and Gaelic. It was laid out in parallel article columns to allow readers to skim over to English as needed quickly. Another helpful feature is a hover effect on article titles. When the mouse hovers over the title, it changes from Scots Gaelic to English. According to a 2011 Scottish census, the Scottish Government noted that about 1.6% of people had Gaelic speaking abilities, and 0.63% claimed fluency. Despite its minority status, the majority of the Scots population view Gaelic as an essential part of the national identity. It has gained more attention internationally as apps like Duolingo offer free language courses for learners, and Scottish government initiatives like "Learn Gaelic" offer free comprehensive lessons. By creating a user-friendly bilingual interface within a Gaelic website that offers exciting life, arts, and culture content, I can invite speakers and learners of all levels to engage in the site's content in a more optimal way for the wider community. Using UI/UX design to design an engaging bilingual website layout, it is possible to create an online space where all people can consume modern media in Gaelic no matter where they are in their journey as speakers or learners. This could break down barriers and encourage further use and learning among the community.
Faculty Sponsor
Isabel Norman
Exploring how UI/UX design can enhance communication and learning of Scots Gaidhlig
FA-256
This research and design project will explore using UI/UX design to support and enhance the engagement of reading and consuming media in Scots Gaelic through a bilingual design interface of a Life, Arts, and Culture website that will define and celebrate the language for speakers and learners through contemporary writing and media coverage. Although there are publications and online sources for Gaelic speakers and learners, through my research, I noticed that one thing that could enhance a learner's experience was a design layout that I saw used in the website design of an online record of the city of Glasgow's Gaelic history (Glaschu.net). The creators integrated a bilingual component into the UI design layout of English and Gaelic. It was laid out in parallel article columns to allow readers to skim over to English as needed quickly. Another helpful feature is a hover effect on article titles. When the mouse hovers over the title, it changes from Scots Gaelic to English. According to a 2011 Scottish census, the Scottish Government noted that about 1.6% of people had Gaelic speaking abilities, and 0.63% claimed fluency. Despite its minority status, the majority of the Scots population view Gaelic as an essential part of the national identity. It has gained more attention internationally as apps like Duolingo offer free language courses for learners, and Scottish government initiatives like "Learn Gaelic" offer free comprehensive lessons. By creating a user-friendly bilingual interface within a Gaelic website that offers exciting life, arts, and culture content, I can invite speakers and learners of all levels to engage in the site's content in a more optimal way for the wider community. Using UI/UX design to design an engaging bilingual website layout, it is possible to create an online space where all people can consume modern media in Gaelic no matter where they are in their journey as speakers or learners. This could break down barriers and encourage further use and learning among the community.