What it does
Lingvano is a mobile app designed to teach sign languages through a structured, video-based curriculum. The app focuses on American Sign Language (ASL) in this recording, guiding users from basic signs like "Hello" to constructing simple phrases. It uses a mix of instructional videos with native signers, interactive quizzes, and a searchable dictionary to create an immersive learning environment.
Where it shines
Lingvano excels in its thoughtful and authentic approach to teaching a visual language. A standout feature is how it acknowledges and teaches sign variations. At 02:22, the app shows two different ways to sign "HOW?", explaining that variations exist just like in any other language. This builds immense trust. The app also features a friendly mascot named Mano (00:05), who makes the experience welcoming. The core learning loop is tight and effective, immediately testing what it teaches, as seen when the user learns "HELLO" and is quizzed on it seconds later (01:13).
UX highlights
- Mascot-driven Onboarding: The app uses a charming hand-shaped mascot, Mano, to guide users through the initial setup, making the process feel less clinical and more engaging.
- Clear Trial Expectations: Before showing the price, a screen at 00:33 presents a visual timeline for the free trial, clearly stating when the user will be reminded and when the trial ends. This builds trust.
- Immediate Error Correction: When a user answers a quiz incorrectly (01:29), the app highlights both the wrong and correct answers, providing an instant, non-punitive learning opportunity.
- Slow-Motion Feature: A turtle icon (04:14) allows users to slow down the signing videos, a crucial accessibility and learning tool for a visual language.
- Integrated Dictionary: The app includes a comprehensive dictionary (05:44) that is easily accessible, allowing users to look up specific signs outside of the structured lessons.
- Gamified Streak: The app encourages daily practice by having the user physically "ignite" their first day's streak with a swipe-up gesture (03:26), making the habit formation feel interactive.
Monetization & growth
The app uses a free-trial model, presenting a soft paywall after the initial personalization quiz but before the first lesson. At 00:36, it offers three subscription plans (Annual, 3 Months, Monthly), with the annual plan highlighted as a 44% saving. The path to the paywall is warmed up by a screen explaining the trial timeline, which likely improves conversion by reducing user anxiety. The purchase is a standard, low-friction App Store transaction.
Who it’s for
Lingvano is for anyone interested in learning sign language, particularly beginners. The friendly interface, structured lessons, and focus on fundamentals make it ideal for individuals with no prior experience. It also serves people who want to communicate with Deaf or Hard of Hearing family members, friends, or colleagues, as indicated by the 'Family or community' motivation option in the onboarding quiz (00:18).
Notes & opportunities
While the core learning experience is strong, the app exits the user from a lesson to a pop-up modal asking them to keep learning (04:37). This feels disruptive and could be handled more elegantly within the lesson flow. Additionally, after completing the first lesson, the user's progress is shown as '1 of 6 lessons completed' (04:40), but the chapter title is 'Hello and welcome'. It might be clearer to label the lesson itself. The overall structure, however, is intuitive and well-designed for its educational purpose.