Post on 03-Aug-2020
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CoRSAL Language ArchivePreserving endangered languages
In the summer 2017, we worked with the University of North Texas to develope a digital archive for South Asian language preservation. We translated initial research and insights into UX design proposals and database structure for the language archive. I led the design of mobile application.
The mobile application is not just a simplified version of the CoRSAL website. The website and the app have different use cases and focuses, and together they make one workable product.
The app is designed for users to implement as a field tool and a communication channel. There is a consistent tagging system between the mobile app and the website, but the app has a more conversational interface. It is easy for linguistic researchers and community members to store information in the database, and it enables more direct collaboration in field work.
Mobile App Design Sign up for CoRSAL
Browse/manage contents
Deposit to CoRSAL
The archive specifies topics of interest for different user needs of researchers, linguists as well as community members.
The mobile application could be used as an in-progress field work tool for researchers.
Depositing content is easy. The tagging system and auto-formating system provides better back-end content management.
Product-Technology System
Existing data from physical archives
Communication mediums
Collected data from the field
Physical/non-physical cultural heritage
Use of smartphones and computers
Socio-Technology System
Governance
Community engagement
Knowledge and education
Relationship with NGOs
Fundings
Societal Systems
Goals
Preserving languages
Preserving culturesValues
Habits
Product-Service System
Access of internet
Metadata
App technology
SQL queriesSocial Media
IOT
The Levels and Systems of language archive
Even though there is a very expected outcome for a language archive – a website and a mobile application – our approach emphasized looking at endangered language communities at many different scopes.
System Mapping
The Research Linguist Journey Map helped us analyze the painpoints of using a language archive.
Journey Mapping