Elephantalk is a real-time ASL translation plugin that bridges communication gaps between Deaf/HoH and hearing individuals, within the video meetings they already use.
Goal : Design an inclusive communication tool that enables Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users to participate fully and confidently in video meetings, without the need for external interpreters or extra tools.
Date
2024.12-(ongoing)
Role
Product Designer (UX/UI, Research, Strategy)
Company
Self-employed, collaborating as a team with a Mid-level Product Designer (@Salesforce), an AI Data Engineer, and a Full-Stack Developer.
Overview
Have you ever wondered how Deaf or hard-of-hearing people navigate video calls ?
Video meetings became the norm, but for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users, the tools weren’t built for them. Most rely on clunky captions, unreliable interpreters, or split screens that leave them fatigued, misheard, and excluded.
Problem realization.. it started from..
That question from a Deaf professional stayed with me. It revealed how even the smallest nonverbal cues, often taken for granted by hearing people, can carry emotional weight for the Deaf/HoH community. In the era of video conferencing, real-time communication should be accessible to everyone. But it’s not.
Interview, 2023 – Deaf professional in enterprise sales
Overview
However, the disconnect between growing need and system support
The current landscape between the hearing and Deaf communities
However, system doesn't supports all of them
In summary, Over 360 million people live with hearing loss, yet most video calls still lack built-in sign language support, offer poor captions, and hide accessibility features, leaving Deaf users behind.
Start point
Current video meeting offered captions, but not connection.
92% of Deaf users we interviewed reported emotional exhaustion from existing video call tools. They weren’t just switching between chat, captions, and interpreters, they were also filtering themselves.
These tools existed. But they weren’t enough. We needed more than accessibility. We needed presence.
Start point
We asked, What would true, effortless inclusion feel like?
We imagined a tool that lets both hearing and Deaf users communicate without switching, waiting, or worrying. elephantalk was born from that vision — a plugin that works inside any video call platform, translating in real time, both ways.
These tools existed. But they weren’t enough. We needed more than accessibility. We needed presence.
Start point
A UX-led AI plugin that speaks both way
Most platforms offer captions. Some offer interpreters. But in practice?
These tools existed. But they weren’t enough. We needed more than accessibility. We needed presence.
Start point
We didn't design for deaf users. We designed with them.
Most platforms offer captions. Some offer interpreters. But in practice?
These tools existed. But they weren’t enough. We needed more than accessibility. We needed presence.