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University of washington - HCDE 518
University of washington - HCDE 518
University of washington - HCDE 518
University of washington - HCDE 518
Smart Meeting Assistant for Non-Native English Speakers
Smart Meeting Assistant for Non-Native English Speakers
Smart Meeting Assistant for Non-Native English Speakers
Smart Meeting Assistant for Non-Native English Speakers
Project Overview
Project Overview
Project Overview
Project Overview
As global collaboration grows, online meetings in English have become a central part of work. Yet, even highly proficient non-native English speakers experience significant communication friction in these environments. Fast-paced discussions, idioms, humor, tone shifts, and cultural assumptions often create moments of confusion that affect participation and confidence.
As global collaboration grows, online meetings in English have become a central part of work. Yet, even highly proficient non-native English speakers experience significant communication friction in these environments. Fast-paced discussions, idioms, humor, tone shifts, and cultural assumptions often create moments of confusion that affect participation and confidence.
As global collaboration grows, online meetings in English have become a central part of work. Yet, even highly proficient non-native English speakers experience significant communication friction in these environments. Fast-paced discussions, idioms, humor, tone shifts, and cultural assumptions often create moments of confusion that affect participation and confidence.
As global collaboration grows, online meetings in English have become a central part of work. Yet, even highly proficient non-native English speakers experience significant communication friction in these environments. Fast-paced discussions, idioms, humor, tone shifts, and cultural assumptions often create moments of confusion that affect participation and confidence.
Design Process
Design Process
Design Process
Design Process
3 months (Sep 2025 - Dec 2025)
3 months (Sep 2025 - Dec 2025)
3 months (Sep 2025 - Dec 2025)
3 months (Sep 2025 - Dec 2025)
User Research
User Research
User Research
User Research
User
Personas
User
Personas
User
Personas
User
Personas
Affinity Diagramming
Affinity Diagramming
Affinity Diagramming
Affinity Diagramming
User Flows
User Flows
User Flows
User Flows
Storyboarding
Storyboarding
Storyboarding
Storyboarding
Lo-fi Prototype
Lo-fi Prototype
Lo-fi Prototype
Lo-fi Prototype
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
Hi-fi Prototype
Hi-fi Prototype
Hi-fi Prototype
Hi-fi Prototype
Squad
Squad
Squad
Squad
Jayden Kang
Jayden Kang
Jayden Kang
Jayden Kang
PM, Designer
PM, Designer
PM, Designer
PM, Designer
Skye Park
Skye Park
Skye Park
Skye Park
Designer
Designer
Designer
Designer
Henson Chen
Henson Chen
Henson Chen
Henson Chen
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Researcher
Hajeong Hwang
Hajeong Hwang
Hajeong Hwang
Hajeong Hwang
Researcher, Designer
Researcher, Designer
Researcher, Designer
Researcher, Designer
PROBLEM
PROBLEM
PROBLEM
PROBLEM
Non-native English-speaking professionals often struggle to follow and participate in fast-paced online meetings because of challenges interpreting idioms, slang, humor, and tone shifts, creating cognitive overload.
Non-native English-speaking professionals often struggle to follow and participate in fast-paced online meetings because of challenges interpreting idioms, slang, humor, and tone shifts, creating cognitive overload.
Non-native English-speaking professionals often struggle to follow and participate in fast-paced online meetings because of challenges interpreting idioms, slang, humor, and tone shifts, creating cognitive overload.
Non-native English-speaking professionals often struggle to follow and participate in fast-paced online meetings because of challenges interpreting idioms, slang, humor, and tone shifts, creating cognitive overload.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Envisioning Research Questions
Envisioning Research Questions
Envisioning Research Questions
Envisioning Research Questions
To understand where and why communication friction occurs, we grounded our investigation in three guiding research questions:
To understand where and why communication friction occurs, we grounded our investigation in three guiding research questions:
To understand where and why communication friction occurs, we grounded our investigation in three guiding research questions:
To understand where and why communication friction occurs, we grounded our investigation in three guiding research questions:
In which moments and channels do communication breakdowns between ESL employees and teammates most often occur?
In which moments and channels do communication breakdowns between ESL employees and teammates most often occur?
In which moments and channels do communication breakdowns between ESL employees and teammates most often occur?
In which moments and channels do communication breakdowns between ESL employees and teammates most often occur?
Which work tasks or goals are most affected by communication frictions?
Which work tasks or goals are most affected by communication frictions?
Which work tasks or goals are most affected by communication frictions?
Which work tasks or goals are most affected by communication frictions?
What tactics and tools do ESL employees currently use to reduce confusion, and how effective are they?
What tactics and tools do ESL employees currently use to reduce confusion, and how effective are they?
What tactics and tools do ESL employees currently use to reduce confusion, and how effective are they?
What tactics and tools do ESL employees currently use to reduce confusion, and how effective are they?
Define User Needs:
3 Research Methods
Define User Needs:
3 Research Methods
Define User Needs:
3 Research Methods
Define User Needs:
3 Research Methods
Research Insight
Research Insight
Research Insight
Research Insight
As we analyzed our findings, it became clear that the pain points were less about “proposing ideas” and more about surviving fast-paced, ambiguous, and socially complex meeting moments. This shifted our problem definition from output (how ESL employees express ideas) to processing (how they make sense of the meeting in real time).
As we analyzed our findings, it became clear that the pain points were less about “proposing ideas” and more about surviving fast-paced, ambiguous, and socially complex meeting moments. This shifted our problem definition from output (how ESL employees express ideas) to processing (how they make sense of the meeting in real time).
As we analyzed our findings, it became clear that the pain points were less about “proposing ideas” and more about surviving fast-paced, ambiguous, and socially complex meeting moments. This shifted our problem definition from output (how ESL employees express ideas) to processing (how they make sense of the meeting in real time).
As we analyzed our findings, it became clear that the pain points were less about “proposing ideas” and more about surviving fast-paced, ambiguous, and socially complex meeting moments. This shifted our problem definition from output (how ESL employees express ideas) to processing (how they make sense of the meeting in real time).
From the research, we realized that the workplace communication challenges for ESL speakers stem less from language ability and more from confidence, emotional pressure, and real-time social dynamics.
From the research, we realized that the workplace communication challenges for ESL speakers stem less from language ability and more from confidence, emotional pressure, and real-time social dynamics.
From the research, we realized that the workplace communication challenges for ESL speakers stem less from language ability and more from confidence, emotional pressure, and real-time social dynamics.
From the research, we realized that the workplace communication challenges for ESL speakers stem less from language ability and more from confidence, emotional pressure, and real-time social dynamics.
UXR
UXR
UXR
UXR
Semi-Structured Interviews
Semi-Structured Interviews
Semi-Structured Interviews
Semi-Structured Interviews
Survey
Survey
Survey
Survey
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Fiset, J., Bhave, D. P., & Jha, N. (2023). The effects of language-related misunderstanding at work. Journal of Management, 50(1), 347–379. https://doi.org/10.1177/01492063231181651
Fiset, J., Bhave, D. P., & Jha, N. (2023). The effects of language-related misunderstanding at work. Journal of Management, 50(1), 347–379. https://doi.org/10.1177/01492063231181651
Fiset, J., Bhave, D. P., & Jha, N. (2023). The effects of language-related misunderstanding at work. Journal of Management, 50(1), 347–379. https://doi.org/10.1177/01492063231181651
Fiset, J., Bhave, D. P., & Jha, N. (2023). The effects of language-related misunderstanding at work. Journal of Management, 50(1), 347–379. https://doi.org/10.1177/01492063231181651
DESIGN QUESTION
DESIGN QUESTION
DESIGN QUESTION
DESIGN QUESTION
How might we support ESL professionals in navigating communications in online meetings — especially when conversations include slang, jargon, humor, or shifts between professional and casual tones?
How might we support ESL professionals in navigating communications in online meetings — especially when conversations include slang, jargon, humor, or shifts between professional and casual tones?
How might we support ESL professionals in navigating communications in online meetings — especially when conversations include slang, jargon, humor, or shifts between professional and casual tones?
How might we support ESL professionals in navigating communications in online meetings — especially when conversations include slang, jargon, humor, or shifts between professional and casual tones?
GOAL
GOAL
GOAL
GOAL
Based on research findings, our design goals focused on empowering users without replacing their voice, minimizing real-time cognitive load, and supporting long-term communication confidence across diverse meeting contexts.
Based on research findings, our design goals focused on empowering users without replacing their voice, minimizing real-time cognitive load, and supporting long-term communication confidence across diverse meeting contexts.
Based on research findings, our design goals focused on empowering users without replacing their voice, minimizing real-time cognitive load, and supporting long-term communication confidence across diverse meeting contexts.
Based on research findings, our design goals focused on empowering users without replacing their voice, minimizing real-time cognitive load, and supporting long-term communication confidence across diverse meeting contexts.
Understanding Users Through Creating Personas
Understanding Users Through Creating Personas
Understanding Users Through Creating Personas
Understanding Users Through Creating Personas
Based on our defined design goals and research, we created personas to have a common understanding of our users.
Based on our defined design goals and research, we created personas to have a common understanding of our users.
Based on our defined design goals and research, we created personas to have a common understanding of our users.
Based on our defined design goals and research, we created personas to have a common understanding of our users.
PERSONAS
PERSONAS
PERSONAS
PERSONAS
Calibrator Cynthia
Calibrator Cynthia
Calibrator Cynthia
Calibrator Cynthia
Age
Age
Age
Age
27
27
27
27
Education
Education
Education
Education
Bachelor’s in Communication Studies
Bachelor’s in Communication Studies
Bachelor’s in Communication Studies
Bachelor’s in Communication Studies
Occupation
Occupation
Occupation
Occupation
Social Media Analyst
Social Media Analyst
Social Media Analyst
Social Media Analyst
Location
Location
Location
Location
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
TEch literate
TEch literate
TEch literate
TEch literate
High
High
High
High
I want to express disagreements professionally not just stay quiet because I’m afraid of saying something wrong.
I want to express disagreements professionally not just stay quiet because I’m afraid of saying something wrong.
I want to express disagreements professionally not just stay quiet because I’m afraid of saying something wrong.
I want to express disagreements professionally not just stay quiet because I’m afraid of saying something wrong.
Personality
Personality
Personality
Personality
Diplomatic
Diplomatic
Diplomatic
Diplomatic
Growth-oriented
Growth-oriented
Growth-oriented
Growth-oriented
Thoughtful
Thoughtful
Thoughtful
Thoughtful
Creative
Creative
Creative
Creative
Bio
Bio
Bio
Bio
Cynthia Mei is a social media analyst at a marketing agency in Seattle. Originally from China, she moved to the U.S. after earning her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. She’s confident in her analytical and creative ideas, often spotting issues others overlook, but she struggles to express disagreement in English without worrying about sounding rude or making mistakes. While her teammates appreciate her reliability and hard work, she wishes she could contribute more actively in discussions.
Cynthia Mei is a social media analyst at a marketing agency in Seattle. Originally from China, she moved to the U.S. after earning her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. She’s confident in her analytical and creative ideas, often spotting issues others overlook, but she struggles to express disagreement in English without worrying about sounding rude or making mistakes. While her teammates appreciate her reliability and hard work, she wishes she could contribute more actively in discussions.
Cynthia Mei is a social media analyst at a marketing agency in Seattle. Originally from China, she moved to the U.S. after earning her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. She’s confident in her analytical and creative ideas, often spotting issues others overlook, but she struggles to express disagreement in English without worrying about sounding rude or making mistakes. While her teammates appreciate her reliability and hard work, she wishes she could contribute more actively in discussions.
Cynthia Mei is a social media analyst at a marketing agency in Seattle. Originally from China, she moved to the U.S. after earning her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. She’s confident in her analytical and creative ideas, often spotting issues others overlook, but she struggles to express disagreement in English without worrying about sounding rude or making mistakes. While her teammates appreciate her reliability and hard work, she wishes she could contribute more actively in discussions.
Core needs
Core needs
Core needs
Core needs
•
•
•
•
To express disagreement or feedback in a polite, confident, and professional way
To express disagreement or feedback in a polite, confident, and professional way
To express disagreement or feedback in a polite, confident, and professional way
To express disagreement or feedback in a polite, confident, and professional way
•
•
•
•
To learn cultural communication cues (tone, phrasing, and timing) when challenging ideas
To learn cultural communication cues (tone, phrasing, and timing) when challenging ideas
To learn cultural communication cues (tone, phrasing, and timing) when challenging ideas
To learn cultural communication cues (tone, phrasing, and timing) when challenging ideas
•
•
•
•
To feel her input is valued, even when her English isn’t perfect
To feel her input is valued, even when her English isn’t perfect
To feel her input is valued, even when her English isn’t perfect
To feel her input is valued, even when her English isn’t perfect
Frustrations
Frustrations
Frustrations
Frustrations
•
•
•
•
Hesitates to disagree because she fears sounding impolite or confrontational
Hesitates to disagree because she fears sounding impolite or confrontational
Hesitates to disagree because she fears sounding impolite or confrontational
Hesitates to disagree because she fears sounding impolite or confrontational
•
•
•
•
Often rehearses sentences in her head and misses the right timing to speak
Often rehearses sentences in her head and misses the right timing to speak
Often rehearses sentences in her head and misses the right timing to speak
Often rehearses sentences in her head and misses the right timing to speak
•
•
•
•
Finds that her ideas are sometimes overlooked when she speaks too carefully
Finds that her ideas are sometimes overlooked when she speaks too carefully
Finds that her ideas are sometimes overlooked when she speaks too carefully
Finds that her ideas are sometimes overlooked when she speaks too carefully
Connector Arjun
Connector Arjun
Connector Arjun
Connector Arjun
Age
Age
Age
Age
29
29
29
29
Education
Education
Education
Education
Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering
Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering
Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering
Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering
Occupation
Occupation
Occupation
Occupation
UX Research Assistant
UX Research Assistant
UX Research Assistant
UX Research Assistant
Location
Location
Location
Location
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
Seattle
TEch literate
TEch literate
TEch literate
TEch literate
High
High
High
High
Everyone’s so fast at talking — by the time I find the right words, the topic’s already changed.
Everyone’s so fast at talking — by the time I find the right words, the topic’s already changed.
Everyone’s so fast at talking — by the time I find the right words, the topic’s already changed.
Everyone’s so fast at talking — by the time I find the right words, the topic’s already changed.
Personality
Personality
Personality
Personality
Empathetic
Empathetic
Empathetic
Empathetic
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Team-oriented
Team-oriented
Team-oriented
Team-oriented
Thoughtful
Thoughtful
Thoughtful
Thoughtful
Bio
Bio
Bio
Bio
Arjun is an early-career UX researcher working with a diverse international team. He’s fluent in reading and writing English, but spontaneous conversation like meetings or casual small talk still makes him nervous. He often understands everything but struggles to find the right timing or phrasing to jump in. His coworkers describe him as kind, reliable, and thoughtful, yet he worries that his quietness makes him seem disengaged. Arjun wants to feel more included in social interactions and confident expressing his ideas without overthinking.
Arjun is an early-career UX researcher working with a diverse international team. He’s fluent in reading and writing English, but spontaneous conversation like meetings or casual small talk still makes him nervous. He often understands everything but struggles to find the right timing or phrasing to jump in. His coworkers describe him as kind, reliable, and thoughtful, yet he worries that his quietness makes him seem disengaged. Arjun wants to feel more included in social interactions and confident expressing his ideas without overthinking.
Arjun is an early-career UX researcher working with a diverse international team. He’s fluent in reading and writing English, but spontaneous conversation like meetings or casual small talk still makes him nervous. He often understands everything but struggles to find the right timing or phrasing to jump in. His coworkers describe him as kind, reliable, and thoughtful, yet he worries that his quietness makes him seem disengaged. Arjun wants to feel more included in social interactions and confident expressing his ideas without overthinking.
Arjun is an early-career UX researcher working with a diverse international team. He’s fluent in reading and writing English, but spontaneous conversation like meetings or casual small talk still makes him nervous. He often understands everything but struggles to find the right timing or phrasing to jump in. His coworkers describe him as kind, reliable, and thoughtful, yet he worries that his quietness makes him seem disengaged. Arjun wants to feel more included in social interactions and confident expressing his ideas without overthinking.
Core needs
Core needs
Core needs
Core needs
•
•
•
•
To feel comfortable joining group discussions without waiting for a perfect phrase
To feel comfortable joining group discussions without waiting for a perfect phrase
To feel comfortable joining group discussions without waiting for a perfect phrase
To feel comfortable joining group discussions without waiting for a perfect phrase
•
•
•
•
To build social confidence in casual talk and workplace small talk
To build social confidence in casual talk and workplace small talk
To build social confidence in casual talk and workplace small talk
To build social confidence in casual talk and workplace small talk
•
•
•
•
To understand idioms and cultural references that make him feel left out
To understand idioms and cultural references that make him feel left out
To understand idioms and cultural references that make him feel left out
To understand idioms and cultural references that make him feel left out
Frustrations
Frustrations
Frustrations
Frustrations
•
•
•
•
Struggles to join fast or overlapping conversations
Struggles to join fast or overlapping conversations
Struggles to join fast or overlapping conversations
Struggles to join fast or overlapping conversations
•
•
•
•
Avoids starting small talk because he’s unsure how casual to be
Avoids starting small talk because he’s unsure how casual to be
Avoids starting small talk because he’s unsure how casual to be
Avoids starting small talk because he’s unsure how casual to be
•
•
•
•
Feels excluded when coworkers joke or reference TV shows, slang, or local culture
Feels excluded when coworkers joke or reference TV shows, slang, or local culture
Feels excluded when coworkers joke or reference TV shows, slang, or local culture
Feels excluded when coworkers joke or reference TV shows, slang, or local culture
Mapping Design Direction
Mapping Design Direction
Mapping Design Direction
Mapping Design Direction
Our team mapped an recurring themes across user frustrations, emotional responses, and desired support behaviors.
By grouping insights visually, we were able to identify distinct design principles that informed our design direction.
Our team mapped an recurring themes across user frustrations, emotional responses, and desired support behaviors.
By grouping insights visually, we were able to identify distinct design principles that informed our design direction.
Our team mapped an recurring themes across user frustrations, emotional responses, and desired support behaviors.
By grouping insights visually, we were able to identify distinct design principles that informed our design direction.
Our team mapped an recurring themes across user frustrations, emotional responses, and desired support behaviors.
By grouping insights visually, we were able to identify distinct design principles that informed our design direction.
Post-Meeting Summary
+ Impact Card
Post-Meeting Summary
+ Impact Card
Post-Meeting Summary
+ Impact Card
Post-Meeting Summary
+ Impact Card
Pros
Pros
Pros
Pros
Reduces cognitive load by automatically capturing action items and achievements, eliminating the need for manual note-taking.
Builds confidence through personalized reflections that help users recognize their contributions and areas of growth.Based on our defined design goals and research, we created personas to have a common understanding of our users.
Reduces cognitive load by automatically capturing action items and achievements, eliminating the need for manual note-taking.
Builds confidence through personalized reflections that help users recognize their contributions and areas of growth.Based on our defined design goals and research, we created personas to have a common understanding of our users.
Reduces cognitive load by automatically capturing action items and achievements, eliminating the need for manual note-taking.
Builds confidence through personalized reflections that help users recognize their contributions and areas of growth.Based on our defined design goals and research, we created personas to have a common understanding of our users.
Reduces cognitive load by automatically capturing action items and achievements, eliminating the need for manual note-taking.
Builds confidence through personalized reflections that help users recognize their contributions and areas of growth.Based on our defined design goals and research, we created personas to have a common understanding of our users.
Cons
Cons
Cons
Cons
Risk of oversimplification. Summaries may miss nuance, limiting deeper reflection on communication challenges.
Dependent on user trust some users may feel uncomfortable relying on AI to evaluate their “impact.”
Risk of oversimplification. Summaries may miss nuance, limiting deeper reflection on communication challenges.
Dependent on user trust some users may feel uncomfortable relying on AI to evaluate their “impact.”
Risk of oversimplification. Summaries may miss nuance, limiting deeper reflection on communication challenges.
Dependent on user trust some users may feel uncomfortable relying on AI to evaluate their “impact.”
Risk of oversimplification. Summaries may miss nuance, limiting deeper reflection on communication challenges.
Dependent on user trust some users may feel uncomfortable relying on AI to evaluate their “impact.”
IDEATION & SKETCH 1
IDEATION & SKETCH 1
IDEATION & SKETCH 1
IDEATION & SKETCH 1
Humor Mode + Tone Radar
Humor Mode + Tone Radar
Humor Mode + Tone Radar
Humor Mode + Tone Radar
Pros
Pros
Pros
Pros
Improves social comfort by signaling humor, sarcasm, or casual tone shifts that ESL speakers often miss.
Supports participation by offering context-aware question prompts that ease small talk and conversational entry.
Improves social comfort by signaling humor, sarcasm, or casual tone shifts that ESL speakers often miss.
Supports participation by offering context-aware question prompts that ease small talk and conversational entry.
Improves social comfort by signaling humor, sarcasm, or casual tone shifts that ESL speakers often miss.
Supports participation by offering context-aware question prompts that ease small talk and conversational entry.
Improves social comfort by signaling humor, sarcasm, or casual tone shifts that ESL speakers often miss.
Supports participation by offering context-aware question prompts that ease small talk and conversational entry.
Cons
Cons
Cons
Cons
Potential distraction if visual cues or tone indicators draw attention away from the main conversation.
Potential distraction if visual cues or tone indicators draw attention away from the main conversation.
Potential distraction if visual cues or tone indicators draw attention away from the main conversation.
Potential distraction if visual cues or tone indicators draw attention away from the main conversation.
IDEATION & SKETCH 2
IDEATION & SKETCH 2
IDEATION & SKETCH 2
IDEATION & SKETCH 2
Topic-Grouped Timeline + Interactive Transcript
Topic-Grouped Timeline + Interactive Transcript
Topic-Grouped Timeline + Interactive Transcript
Topic-Grouped Timeline + Interactive Transcript
Pros
Pros
Pros
Pros
Directly addresses speed and comprehension issues, helping users catch up via topic clusters and plain-English summaries.
Supports vocabulary growth through instant slang/idiom definitions and the ability to save unfamiliar phrases.Supports participation by offering context-aware question prompts that ease small talk and conversational entry.
Directly addresses speed and comprehension issues, helping users catch up via topic clusters and plain-English summaries.
Supports vocabulary growth through instant slang/idiom definitions and the ability to save unfamiliar phrases.Supports participation by offering context-aware question prompts that ease small talk and conversational entry.
Directly addresses speed and comprehension issues, helping users catch up via topic clusters and plain-English summaries.
Supports vocabulary growth through instant slang/idiom definitions and the ability to save unfamiliar phrases.Supports participation by offering context-aware question prompts that ease small talk and conversational entry.
Directly addresses speed and comprehension issues, helping users catch up via topic clusters and plain-English summaries.
Supports vocabulary growth through instant slang/idiom definitions and the ability to save unfamiliar phrases.Supports participation by offering context-aware question prompts that ease small talk and conversational entry.
Cons
Cons
Cons
Cons
Does not address social context, such as small talk or relationship-building moments that participants also struggle with.
May increase reliance on visual aids, potentially dividing attention during live conversations.
Does not address social context, such as small talk or relationship-building moments that participants also struggle with.
May increase reliance on visual aids, potentially dividing attention during live conversations.
Does not address social context, such as small talk or relationship-building moments that participants also struggle with.
May increase reliance on visual aids, potentially dividing attention during live conversations.
Does not address social context, such as small talk or relationship-building moments that participants also struggle with.
May increase reliance on visual aids, potentially dividing attention during live conversations.
IDEATION & SKETCH 3
IDEATION & SKETCH 3
IDEATION & SKETCH 3
IDEATION & SKETCH 3
Opportunities to see our product's usability
Opportunities to see our product's usability
Opportunities to see our product's usability
Opportunities to see our product's usability
To evaluate whether Allegro reduced real-time communication friction, we conducted usability testing with five ESL professionals using a clickable low-fidelity prototype. Participants completed task-based scenarios simulating fast-paced online meetings while thinking aloud. We assessed whether core features helped users quickly regain context, reduced anxiety around unfamiliar language or social cues, and felt supportive rather than intrusive during live meetings.
To evaluate whether Allegro reduced real-time communication friction, we conducted usability testing with five ESL professionals using a clickable low-fidelity prototype. Participants completed task-based scenarios simulating fast-paced online meetings while thinking aloud. We assessed whether core features helped users quickly regain context, reduced anxiety around unfamiliar language or social cues, and felt supportive rather than intrusive during live meetings.
To evaluate whether Allegro reduced real-time communication friction, we conducted usability testing with five ESL professionals using a clickable low-fidelity prototype. Participants completed task-based scenarios simulating fast-paced online meetings while thinking aloud. We assessed whether core features helped users quickly regain context, reduced anxiety around unfamiliar language or social cues, and felt supportive rather than intrusive during live meetings.
To evaluate whether Allegro reduced real-time communication friction, we conducted usability testing with five ESL professionals using a clickable low-fidelity prototype. Participants completed task-based scenarios simulating fast-paced online meetings while thinking aloud. We assessed whether core features helped users quickly regain context, reduced anxiety around unfamiliar language or social cues, and felt supportive rather than intrusive during live meetings.
USABILITY TESTING
USABILITY TESTING
USABILITY TESTING
USABILITY TESTING
✅ Validated
✅ Validated
✅ Validated
✅ Validated
Timeline and catch-up summaries significantly reduced stress by allowing users to regain context without interrupting meetings.
Timeline and catch-up summaries significantly reduced stress by allowing users to regain context without interrupting meetings.
Timeline and catch-up summaries significantly reduced stress by allowing users to regain context without interrupting meetings.
Hover definitions for slang, jargon, and idioms enabled discreet clarification and reduced embarrassment.
Hover definitions for slang, jargon, and idioms enabled discreet clarification and reduced embarrassment.
Hover definitions for slang, jargon, and idioms enabled discreet clarification and reduced embarrassment.
Post-meeting recaps—including summaries, action items, and saved vocabulary—were valued for reflection and long-term communication improvement.
Post-meeting recaps—including summaries, action items, and saved vocabulary—were valued for reflection and long-term communication improvement.
Post-meeting recaps—including summaries, action items, and saved vocabulary—were valued for reflection and long-term communication improvement.
Post-meeting recaps—including summaries, action items, and saved vocabulary—were valued for reflection and long-term communication improvement.
⚠️ Mixed
⚠️ Mixed
⚠️ Mixed
⚠️ Mixed
The Impact Card received mixed reactions: while some users valued recognition, others felt uncomfortable being evaluated by AI.
Based on this feedback, the feature was redesigned to be optional and fully user-controlled.
The Impact Card received mixed reactions: while some users valued recognition, others felt uncomfortable being evaluated by AI.
Based on this feedback, the feature was redesigned to be optional and fully user-controlled.
The Impact Card received mixed reactions: while some users valued recognition, others felt uncomfortable being evaluated by AI.
Based on this feedback, the feature was redesigned to be optional and fully user-controlled.
The Impact Card received mixed reactions: while some users valued recognition, others felt uncomfortable being evaluated by AI.
Based on this feedback, the feature was redesigned to be optional and fully user-controlled.
❌ Removed / Redesigned
❌ Removed / Redesigned
❌ Removed / Redesigned
❌ Removed / Redesigned
Live AI question suggestions felt unnatural and risky, with users preferring topic tracking over prescriptive prompts.
Live AI question suggestions felt unnatural and risky, with users preferring topic tracking over prescriptive prompts.
Live AI question suggestions felt unnatural and risky, with users preferring topic tracking over prescriptive prompts.
Visual tone rings and humor emojis increased anxiety and mistrust in AI interpretation, leading us to remove them in favor of subtle, text-based cues within the transcript.
Visual tone rings and humor emojis increased anxiety and mistrust in AI interpretation, leading us to remove them in favor of subtle, text-based cues within the transcript.
Visual tone rings and humor emojis increased anxiety and mistrust in AI interpretation, leading us to remove them in favor of subtle, text-based cues within the transcript.
FINAL DESIGN 1
FINAL DESIGN 1
FINAL DESIGN 1
FINAL DESIGN 1
Grouped Summaries with Timeline Navigation
Grouped Summaries with Timeline Navigation
Grouped Summaries with Timeline Navigation
Grouped Summaries with Timeline Navigation
Grouped AI summary that clusters topics and allows users to backtrack easily.
Grouped AI summary that clusters topics and allows users to backtrack easily.
Grouped AI summary that clusters topics and allows users to backtrack easily.
Grouped AI summary that clusters topics and allows users to backtrack easily.
Live Summary
Live Summary
Live Summary
Live Summary
Kick Off
Kick Off
Kick Off
Kick Off
00:00
00:00
00:00
00:00
The team agreed to finalize the revised onboarding flow and prepare it for the next sprint. The updated version streamlines several steps and adds clearer guidance to help new users understand each stage more easily.
The team agreed to finalize the revised onboarding flow and prepare it for the next sprint. The updated version streamlines several steps and adds clearer guidance to help new users understand each stage more easily.
The team agreed to finalize the revised onboarding flow and prepare it for the next sprint. The updated version streamlines several steps and adds clearer guidance to help new users understand each stage more easily.
The team agreed to finalize the revised onboarding flow and prepare it for the next sprint. The updated version streamlines several steps and adds clearer guidance to help new users understand each stage more easily.
Social + Creative Performance
Social + Creative Performance
Social + Creative Performance
Social + Creative Performance
2:41
2:41
2:41
2:41
Cynthia shared that engagement is up 18%, with carousel posts outperforming video. Early drop-off in long-form video suggests the next cut needs a faster start. Sarah agreed the intro should be tightened for both social and email use.
Cynthia shared that engagement is up 18%, with carousel posts outperforming video. Early drop-off in long-form video suggests the next cut needs a faster start. Sarah agreed the intro should be tightened for both social and email use.
Cynthia shared that engagement is up 18%, with carousel posts outperforming video. Early drop-off in long-form video suggests the next cut needs a faster start. Sarah agreed the intro should be tightened for both social and email use.
Cynthia shared that engagement is up 18%, with carousel posts outperforming video. Early drop-off in long-form video suggests the next cut needs a faster start. Sarah agreed the intro should be tightened for both social and email use.
Experimentation for Next Month
Experimentation for Next Month
Experimentation for Next Month
Experimentation for Next Month
7:13
7:13
7:13
7:13
Based on competitor research, Elena proposed “mixing things up” by trying more playful tone in select posts. Team aligned on running small tests while maintaining brand voice.
Based on competitor research, Elena proposed “mixing things up” by trying more playful tone in select posts. Team aligned on running small tests while maintaining brand voice.
Based on competitor research, Elena proposed “mixing things up” by trying more playful tone in select posts. Team aligned on running small tests while maintaining brand voice.
Based on competitor research, Elena proposed “mixing things up” by trying more playful tone in select posts. Team aligned on running small tests while maintaining brand voice.
Action Items
Action Items
Action Items
Action Items
17:24
17:24
17:24
17:24
The team agreed to finalize the revised onboarding flow and prepare it for the next sprint.
The team agreed to finalize the revised onboarding flow and prepare it for the next sprint.
The team agreed to finalize the revised onboarding flow and prepare it for the next sprint.
The team agreed to finalize the revised onboarding flow and prepare it for the next sprint.
FINAL DESIGN 2
FINAL DESIGN 2
FINAL DESIGN 2
FINAL DESIGN 2
Transcript Enhancements
(Definitions + Humor Detection)
Transcript Enhancements
(Definitions + Humor Detection)
Transcript Enhancements
(Definitions + Humor Detection)
Transcript Enhancements
(Definitions + Humor Detection)
Live transcript detecting slang, jargon, idioms with definitions, as well as humor.
Live transcript detecting slang, jargon, idioms with definitions, as well as humor.
Live transcript detecting slang, jargon, idioms with definitions, as well as humor.
Live transcript detecting slang, jargon, idioms with definitions, as well as humor.
FINAL DESIGN 3
FINAL DESIGN 3
FINAL DESIGN 3
FINAL DESIGN 3
AI-Generated Topic Suggestions
AI-Generated Topic Suggestions
AI-Generated Topic Suggestions
AI-Generated Topic Suggestions
Context-aware prompts that support users in formulating contributions when they feel unsure how to speak up.
Context-aware prompts that support users in formulating contributions when they feel unsure how to speak up.
Context-aware prompts that support users in formulating contributions when they feel unsure how to speak up.
Context-aware prompts that support users in formulating contributions when they feel unsure how to speak up.
Topic Suggestions
Topic Suggestions
Topic Suggestions
Topic Suggestions
Unresolved Timeline Concern
Unresolved Timeline Concern
Unresolved Timeline Concern
Unresolved Timeline Concern
A timeline issue was mentioned but never fully clarified.
A timeline issue was mentioned but never fully clarified.
A timeline issue was mentioned but never fully clarified.
A timeline issue was mentioned but never fully clarified.
Unanswered Flow Question
Unanswered Flow Question
Unanswered Flow Question
Unanswered Flow Question
A question about the user flow surfaced but wasn’t revisited.
A question about the user flow surfaced but wasn’t revisited.
A question about the user flow surfaced but wasn’t revisited.
A question about the user flow surfaced but wasn’t revisited.
Roadmap Impact Gap
Roadmap Impact Gap
Roadmap Impact Gap
Roadmap Impact Gap
A question about how feedback affects the roadmap went unanswered.
A question about how feedback affects the roadmap went unanswered.
A question about how feedback affects the roadmap went unanswered.
A question about how feedback affects the roadmap went unanswered.
Incomplete Next Step
Incomplete Next Step
Incomplete Next Step
Incomplete Next Step
A next step was noted without a clear owner or deadline.
A next step was noted without a clear owner or deadline.
A next step was noted without a clear owner or deadline.
A next step was noted without a clear owner or deadline.
Generate more suggestions
Generate more suggestions
Generate more suggestions
Generate more suggestions
FINAL DESIGN 3
FINAL DESIGN 3
FINAL DESIGN 3
FINAL DESIGN 3
Post-Meeting Recap
Post-Meeting Recap
Post-Meeting Recap
Post-Meeting Recap
Context-aware prompts that support users in formulating contributions when they feel unsure how to speak up.
Context-aware prompts that support users in formulating contributions when they feel unsure how to speak up.
Context-aware prompts that support users in formulating contributions when they feel unsure how to speak up.
Context-aware prompts that support users in formulating contributions when they feel unsure how to speak up.
Allegro
Allegro
Allegro
Allegro
Quarterly Product Strategy Review
Quarterly Product Strategy Review
Quarterly Product Strategy Review
Quarterly Product Strategy Review
Nov 26 2025
Nov 26 2025
Nov 26 2025
Nov 26 2025
34:21
34:21
34:21
34:21
11
11
11
11
Your Impact
Your Impact
Your Impact
Your Impact
Progress Only
Progress Only
Progress Only
Progress Only
👍
Clarity Boost
You clarified a confusing point and kept the team aligned.
👍
Clarity Boost
You clarified a confusing point and kept the team aligned.
👍
Clarity Boost
You clarified a confusing point and kept the team aligned.
👍
Clarity Boost
You clarified a confusing point and kept the team aligned.
✨
Strong Explanation
You gave a clear, strong explanation that helped the team move forward.
✨
Strong Explanation
You gave a clear, strong explanation that helped the team move forward.
✨
Strong Explanation
You gave a clear, strong explanation that helped the team move forward.
✨
Strong Explanation
You gave a clear, strong explanation that helped the team move forward.
🧭
Direction Set
Your input shaped our direction and kept the meeting on track.
🧭
Direction Set
Your input shaped our direction and kept the meeting on track.
🧭
Direction Set
Your input shaped our direction and kept the meeting on track.
🧭
Direction Set
Your input shaped our direction and kept the meeting on track.
Summary
Summary
Summary
Summary
Transcript
Transcript
Transcript
Transcript
Kick Off
Kick Off
Kick Off
Kick Off
00:00
00:00
00:00
00:00
The team agreed to finalize the revised onboarding flow and prepare it for the next sprint. The updated version streamlines several steps and adds clearer guidance to help new users understand each stage more easily.
The team agreed to finalize the revised onboarding flow and prepare it for the next sprint. The updated version streamlines several steps and adds clearer guidance to help new users understand each stage more easily.
The team agreed to finalize the revised onboarding flow and prepare it for the next sprint. The updated version streamlines several steps and adds clearer guidance to help new users understand each stage more easily.
The team agreed to finalize the revised onboarding flow and prepare it for the next sprint. The updated version streamlines several steps and adds clearer guidance to help new users understand each stage more easily.
Social + Creative Performance
Social + Creative Performance
Social + Creative Performance
Social + Creative Performance
2:41
2:41
2:41
2:41
Cynthia shared that engagement is up 18%, with carousel posts outperforming video. Early drop-off in long-form video suggests the next cut needs a faster start.
Cynthia shared that engagement is up 18%, with carousel posts outperforming video. Early drop-off in long-form video suggests the next cut needs a faster start.
Cynthia shared that engagement is up 18%, with carousel posts outperforming video. Early drop-off in long-form video suggests the next cut needs a faster start.
Cynthia shared that engagement is up 18%, with carousel posts outperforming video. Early drop-off in long-form video suggests the next cut needs a faster start.
Experimentation for Next Month
Experimentation for Next Month
Experimentation for Next Month
Experimentation for Next Month
6:00
6:00
6:00
6:00
Cynthia reported an 18% increase in engagement, with carousel posts outperforming video. Early drop-off in long-form content indicates that next month’s experiments should prioritize faster, more dynamic openings to sustain viewer attention.
Cynthia reported an 18% increase in engagement, with carousel posts outperforming video. Early drop-off in long-form content indicates that next month’s experiments should prioritize faster, more dynamic openings to sustain viewer attention.
Cynthia reported an 18% increase in engagement, with carousel posts outperforming video. Early drop-off in long-form content indicates that next month’s experiments should prioritize faster, more dynamic openings to sustain viewer attention.
Cynthia reported an 18% increase in engagement, with carousel posts outperforming video. Early drop-off in long-form content indicates that next month’s experiments should prioritize faster, more dynamic openings to sustain viewer attention.
Experimentation Insights from Earlier This Month
Experimentation Insights from Earlier This Month
Experimentation Insights from Earlier This Month
Experimentation Insights from Earlier This Month
10:35
10:35
10:35
10:35
Highlighted an 18% engagement uplift, driven by carousel formats. Early viewer drop-off in video indicates a need to explore quicker, more compelling intros in future tests.
Highlighted an 18% engagement uplift, driven by carousel formats. Early viewer drop-off in video indicates a need to explore quicker, more compelling intros in future tests.
Highlighted an 18% engagement uplift, driven by carousel formats. Early viewer drop-off in video indicates a need to explore quicker, more compelling intros in future tests.
Highlighted an 18% engagement uplift, driven by carousel formats. Early viewer drop-off in video indicates a need to explore quicker, more compelling intros in future tests.
Needs for action item clarification
Needs for action item clarification
Needs for action item clarification
Needs for action item clarification
9:30
9:30
9:30
9:30
The team discussed areas where the onboarding flow still needs clearer definition. Additional alignment is required to ensure that each step is fully scoped, actionable, and ready for handoff in the next sprint.
The team discussed areas where the onboarding flow still needs clearer definition. Additional alignment is required to ensure that each step is fully scoped, actionable, and ready for handoff in the next sprint.
The team discussed areas where the onboarding flow still needs clearer definition. Additional alignment is required to ensure that each step is fully scoped, actionable, and ready for handoff in the next sprint.
The team discussed areas where the onboarding flow still needs clearer definition. Additional alignment is required to ensure that each step is fully scoped, actionable, and ready for handoff in the next sprint.
Action Items
Action Items
Action Items
Action Items
Coordinate with engineers
Coordinate with engineers
Coordinate with engineers
Coordinate with engineers
Finalize product roadmap and share with stakeholders
Finalize product roadmap and share with stakeholders
Finalize product roadmap and share with stakeholders
Finalize product roadmap and share with stakeholders
Sync with Amy about design decisions
Sync with Amy about design decisions
Sync with Amy about design decisions
Sync with Amy about design decisions
Export
Export
Export
Export
Saved Words
Saved Words
Saved Words
Saved Words
View all
View all
View all
View all
Get to the point
Get to the point
Get to the point
Get to the point
To be direct and focused; to say the most important part without extra details.
To be direct and focused; to say the most important part without extra details.
To be direct and focused; to say the most important part without extra details.
To be direct and focused; to say the most important part without extra details.
Circle back
Circle back
Circle back
Circle back
Return to this topic later
Return to this topic later
Return to this topic later
Return to this topic later
Boil the ocean
Boil the ocean
Boil the ocean
Boil the ocean
Try to do too much at once.
Try to do too much at once.
Try to do too much at once.
Try to do too much at once.
Land and expand
Land and expand
Land and expand
Land and expand
Start small, then grow once it works.
Start small, then grow once it works.
Start small, then grow once it works.
Start small, then grow once it works.
Allegro
Allegro
Allegro
Allegro
FINAL DEMO
FINAL DEMO
FINAL DEMO
FINAL DEMO
REFLECTION
REFLECTION
REFLECTION
REFLECTION
Looking Back…
Looking Back…
Looking Back…
Looking Back…
As a team with all ESL members, working on Allegro pushed us to rethink both ESL communication and how we collaborate. Early on, when we were debating which project idea to pursue, we created an evaluation form to compare concepts based on creativity, innovative potential, and user value, and this helped us move from opinions to productive discussion and make a confident decision. Throughout the project, our group moved forward with clear communication and respectful critique, especially when iterating on sensitive AI features.
This project strengthened our understanding of designing AI tools that uplift human communication, especially for users navigating language, culture, and confidence simultaneously.
As a team with all ESL members, working on Allegro pushed us to rethink both ESL communication and how we collaborate. Early on, when we were debating which project idea to pursue, we created an evaluation form to compare concepts based on creativity, innovative potential, and user value, and this helped us move from opinions to productive discussion and make a confident decision. Throughout the project, our group moved forward with clear communication and respectful critique, especially when iterating on sensitive AI features.
This project strengthened our understanding of designing AI tools that uplift human communication, especially for users navigating language, culture, and confidence simultaneously.
As a team with all ESL members, working on Allegro pushed us to rethink both ESL communication and how we collaborate. Early on, when we were debating which project idea to pursue, we created an evaluation form to compare concepts based on creativity, innovative potential, and user value, and this helped us move from opinions to productive discussion and make a confident decision. Throughout the project, our group moved forward with clear communication and respectful critique, especially when iterating on sensitive AI features.
This project strengthened our understanding of designing AI tools that uplift human communication, especially for users navigating language, culture, and confidence simultaneously.
As a team with all ESL members, working on Allegro pushed us to rethink both ESL communication and how we collaborate. Early on, when we were debating which project idea to pursue, we created an evaluation form to compare concepts based on creativity, innovative potential, and user value, and this helped us move from opinions to productive discussion and make a confident decision. Throughout the project, our group moved forward with clear communication and respectful critique, especially when iterating on sensitive AI features.
This project strengthened our understanding of designing AI tools that uplift human communication, especially for users navigating language, culture, and confidence simultaneously.
