mong mong

A mixed reality pet simulation and language experience that recognizes the difficulties of staying motivated and brings play back into language learning.

Duration

12 Weeks

Role

Product Designer

Disciplines

XR / VR / MR
Consumer Electronics
Branding
Strategy

Year

2024

Language Learning is challenging for casual learners, even when guided

Through interviewing students and language professors and surveying over 60 casual learners, many noted setbacks in the traditional classroom method that mainly stems from the lack of motivation and indifference most people have.

The market reflects a demand for language learning

Since 2014, there has been a consistent growth in the user base and annual revenue made by these apps and it’s expected to continue to grow throughout the next couple years.

An opportunity to bring an immersive and engaging experience

Notable apps have made language learning more accessible to the general public, but these applications still mainly focused on teaching grammar and often feel formulaic. For VR market, it’s still relatively new, but the ones that have started to explore immersive language learning are not fun and not for the general public.

Learn a language by caring for a digital pet

A Mixed Reality experience that allows monolingual learners to take a first step towards language learning by taking care of a digital pet, shifting the focus away from them and any mental barrier they have.

Game system development from user brainstorming sessions and concept testing

User brainstorming sessions revealed different focal points in the experience to ideate around. From the concepts developed, low-fi prototypes were created for concept testing and gaining feedback on user motivation.

Visual design refined to be friendly

From hand sketch, Adobe Illustrator, and the use of 3D modeling, the visual design was iterated to become friendly and cute to be approachable to learners.

Diverse selection of activities to keep users immersed while learning

There are 3 main status that track the pet’s health: hunger, fitness, and leisure. Each status that doubles as a button which includes a set of games in cooking, sports, and puzzle and recreational games.

Foster drive from competition and a sense of accomplishment

With the ratings on their language ability and activity skill, players gain insight on their current skill level and areas for improvement in an easy and approachable way. Gamified competition through a leaderboard to push users to strive for improvement and foster a sense of community among participants.

Customize and connect with the digital pet

Players gain mong coins from playing games spend on accessories and customization, creating a closer connection to the virtual pet.