Newcomers to Australia often struggle with informal Australian English — slang, idioms, and conversational tone that aren’t taught in traditional ESL programs. This gap can lead to social isolation, reduced confidence, and workplace misunderstandings.
I designed Aussie Slang Learning Tool, a self-paced that helps migrants and international students practice real Australian conversations.
The tool focuses on scenario-based learning, allowing learners to rehearse everyday interactions like ordering coffee, meeting neighbours, or workplace small talk.
Formal English education rarely teaches colloquial Australian speech
Slang acquisition takes years without guided exposure
Informal conversation is essential for social integration
Learners fear embarrassment when speaking with locals
As a result, newcomers often understand textbook English but struggle with real-life Aussie conversations.
This creates a gap between functional English proficiency and social fluency.
Photo by UX Indonesia on UnsplashFrom market research 4 types learner persona were identified: International students, skilled migrants, humanitarian migrants and older migrants 40+. I focussed on international students and skilled migrants - spoke to 6 people (friends and family).
19–28 years old, university student, high academic English but low exposure to Aussie slang.
Needs
Understand informal Aussie in social and academic settings
Decode slang, humour, idioms
Build conversational confidence
Motivations
Social belonging
Academic participation
Employment readiness
Constraints
Cognitive overload during transition
Fear of embarrassment
Limited exposure outside campus bubble
25–45 years old, employed or job-seeking, functional English but struggles with workplace colloquial communication.
Needs
Workplace idioms and informal communication
Cultural cues in professional conversations
Accent comprehension
Motivations
Career progression
Workplace inclusion
Networking
Constraints
Time limitations
Stress of settlement
Mixed exposure to native speakers
1. Context matters more than memorization
Learners acquire slang faster when it’s embedded in realistic scenarios.
2. Informal exposure accelerates integration
Daily conversational practice improves comprehension more than formal instruction alone.
3. Psychological safety is critical
Learners avoid speaking when they fear embarrassment.
4. Micro-practice increases retention
Short, repeatable interactions support long-term learning.
Design a self-paced learning tool that:
Builds confidence in real conversations
Teaches Aussie slang in context
Provides immediate feedback
Supports independent learners
Feels safe and non-judgmental
Success meant learners could practice without fear and transfer skills to real-life situations.
Photo by 🇻🇪 Jose G. Ortega Castro 🇲🇽 on UnsplashDatabase compilation: I compiled and web scraped Aussie slang words from various internet resources, books and influencers to compile a database to feed into the backend database.
Learning Scenarios
Everyday Aussie Slang
Social Conversations
Workplace Communication
Cultural Context & Nuance
Practice & Real-world Simulation
Design Approach
Scenario-based learning
AI prompt engineering to generate prototypes
Microlearning principles
Immediate formative feedback
I designed three early concepts using AI image generator and asked for feedback from an University student and another skilled professional.
A gamified microlearning app
A structured LMS course
An AI conversation simulator
Feedback:
Liked option 03 which is scenario based
Liked option 01 for gamified features, gaining points through quiz, practise
A mix of features from option 01 and option 02 is preferred than learning modules.
3 out of 4 learner persona are digital immigrants
For the final prototype I designed the prompt based on above research, learner profiles, and feedback analysis. The first version of prompt was generated in ChatGPT, improvised in Claude AI and finally used Lovable no-code tool to build with few refining attempts.
Challenges:
Updates can take time and 'credits' consuming
Updating Australian voice could be refined more and is not easy with prompts
Research testing was based on images and could be refined more
Since its a volunteer driven, time and budget is not easy
Final link: https://your-aussie-mate.lovable.app
Future goals:
Distribute to Universities, workplace, community centres.
Hybrid approach HCD+ID