Pratt Institute
2025
Linga
An AI-powered platform that translates video speech across languages in real time, all the while preserving voice, tone, and facial expression
Problem
Most content exists in one language only.
Linga started as a thesis exploring how AI can break language barriers and build more inclusive global communication.
Subtitles break immersion
They feel impersonal.
Creators can't reach global audiences.
They are limited to people who speak that same language.
Families across languages struggle to share moments.
Humor is what connects so many people.
Solution
Seamless translation, invisible to the viewer.
Real-time AI speech translation that preserves voice, tone, and facial movements, inside a familiar social UX built on TikTok and Instagram patterns.
Research
Designing for familiarity.
Linga is built on patterns users already know from TikTok and Instagram. That lowers the barrier to adoption and makes AI translation a natural extension, not a disruptive new feature.
Ideation
Three paths, one language touchpoint each.
The app centers on three core paths from the main feed: exploring content, managing your profile, and creating a post. Each has its own language-selection step.
Sketching the structure
Before committing to visual style, I mapped the core screens in lo-fi, establishing layout, navigation patterns, and the language-selection flow.
Design
The full screen spread.
Three rows show the complete app across all primary flows: the main feed, explore, live streaming, profile, settings, and the language selector in action at multiple translation states.
Final screens set
Launch trailer
Created for the thesis show to introduce Linga and bring the concept to life.
Product launch
