Papiamento learning app
Why I built it
My dad speaks Papiamento, but I never really learned it. I already speak Dutch, English and Spanish, so I thought it would be fun to add this one.
When I looked online, I couldn't find a proper app. Not many people speak the language, so there aren't many resources. I decided to build one myself, focusing on Aruban Papiamento.
How I built it
AI wrote the code for the app. Finding reliable content was the hardest part, because there are so few sources. I gathered the meanings from dictionaries and websites, AI suggested more, and all the words follow the official Aruban spelling.
The design
I designed the look and feel myself. I normally work on finance apps, which have to feel serious, so this was a chance to experiment with style and have the full creative freedom I don't always get in my day job.
How it works
It starts with a first lesson, saying hello, and walks you through it step by step. You practise with flashcards and quizzes, and a daily goal of 10 minutes and a streak keep you coming back. I'm currently testing and refining it myself, before I start sharing it with others to get their opinions.
What's next
Next I want to add more micro interactions, more words and lessons, and audio so you can hear how the words sound. Eventually I'd like to release it to others.
Try it
A click-through prototype of the app. Tap the lesson, flip the cards and take the quiz.
Bon tardi! Let's learn your first words in Papiamento.
Masha bon! 3 words practised.
They'll come back right before you're about to forget them.
correct.
That's the first lesson done.
An earlier exploration
Before the current look, I tried a bolder, outlined style with chunky shadows.
The brand coming together
Later the look and the brand grew closer: flat colour blocks, big rounded cards, black pill buttons, and a simple papia logo that works on every colour.
