Customer Reviews (500)

AshleyPV99 • 2025-03-27T20:28:34-07:00

Love the app and feel like I’m learning a lot! One thing I’d reeeeally love to see added would be dialogue trainers along w the single sign, finger spelling and number trainers. Even if it was just one sentence, seeing a bunch of signs paired together instead of one at a time can be confusing

Flammenfutzen • 2025-03-27T19:42:31-07:00

I’m so sick of everything being a subscription. And I really don’t like that this app chooses not to mention that until I’ve already created an account. So I’ll be deleting this without even trying it. I already know the sign for “bye”.

javaniiii • 2025-03-26T04:38:23-07:00

I really love this app! It’s amazing

Summary of Key Insights

Lingvano - Learn Sign Language is generally well-received, particularly for its user-friendly interface, effective teaching methods, and the use of Deaf instructors. However, the app's aggressive paywall after only a few free lessons is a major point of contention, leading to significant frustration and lower ratings from some users. The subscription price is perceived as high, especially considering the limited free content. Many users appreciate the app's structure, the ability to slow down videos, and the inclusion of real-life dialogues. There's also a strong desire for more content, advanced levels, and features to practice signing actively. Overall sentiment is mixed, with many praising the app's learning experience but criticizing its pricing model.

Quantitative metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Approximately 4.3 stars (based on the score distribution)
  • 5-Star Reviews: 64.4% (322/500)
  • 4-Star Reviews: 10.2% (51/500)
  • 3-Star Reviews: 11.6% (58/500)
  • 2-Star Reviews: 4.6% (23/500)
  • 1-Star Reviews: 9.2% (46/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not specified (assuming a recent snapshot of reviews)
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (identifying positive, negative, and neutral sentiments), keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned words and phrases), and thematic analysis (grouping reviews based on common themes).

Key User Pain Points

  • Aggressive Paywall: The most significant pain point is the limited number of free lessons before requiring a subscription. This is frequently described as a "bait and switch" tactic, as users feel misled by the initial impression of a free app. Impact: High frustration, app deletion, negative reviews.
  • High Subscription Price: The subscription cost (approximately $18/month) is considered too expensive, especially given the limited free content and the availability of free alternatives (e.g., YouTube, community classes). Impact: Prevents users from continuing their learning, leads to app abandonment.
  • Limited Content/Advanced Levels: Some users who already have some ASL knowledge find the initial lessons too basic and wish for a placement test or the ability to skip ahead. Others desire more advanced content once they complete the available lessons. Impact: Reduced engagement, unmet learning needs.
  • Inability to Practice Signing Actively: While the app is good for learning vocabulary and grammar, some users want a feature that allows them to practice signing themselves and receive feedback. Impact: Limits practical application of knowledge.
  • Dictionary Limitations: Some users report that the dictionary is missing common words and phrases. Impact: Hinders the ability to look up signs on demand.
  • Lack of Landscape Mode: Users with iPads express frustration that the app only works in portrait mode. Impact: Inconvenience, usability issues.
  • Billing Issues/Unexpected Charges: Some users reported being charged even after canceling the free trial or experiencing unexpected annual charges instead of monthly. Impact: Distrust of the app, financial loss, negative reviews.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Dialogue Trainers: A feature to practice full dialogues and conversations.
  • More Content/Advanced Levels: More lessons, advanced vocabulary, and grammar topics.
  • Signing Practice/Feedback: A feature to record and evaluate the user's signing.
  • Expanded Dictionary: A more comprehensive dictionary with a wider range of signs.
  • Placement Test: An initial assessment to determine the user's ASL proficiency.
  • Offline Access/Downloadable Chapters: The ability to download lessons for offline use.
  • Family Sharing: An option to share a subscription with family members.
  • Dark Mode: A dark mode option for improved visibility in low-light conditions.
  • Landscape Mode: Support for landscape mode on tablets.
  • Spanish Language Support: A request for Spanish language support.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • User-Friendly Interface: The app is praised for being easy to navigate and use.
  • Effective Teaching Methods: Users find the lessons well-structured, engaging, and effective in teaching ASL.
  • Deaf Instructors: The use of Deaf instructors is highly valued and considered a significant strength.
  • Visual Learning: The video demonstrations and ability to slow down signs are beneficial for visual learners.
  • Real-Life Dialogues: The inclusion of real-life dialogues helps users develop conversational skills.
  • Gamification: The rewards system and streak tracking motivate users to continue learning.
  • Clear Explanations of Grammar: The app explains ASL grammar effectively.
  • Convenience: The app allows users to learn ASL anytime, anywhere.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Revise Pricing Model: Offer a more generous free tier with ads or a one-time purchase option to unlock all content. Consider a tiered subscription model with varying levels of access.
  • Improve Transparency: Clearly communicate the pricing structure and limited free content upfront, before users create an account.
  • Fix Billing Issues: Address and resolve all reported billing issues and ensure transparent cancellation policies.
  • Expand Content: Add more lessons, advanced levels, and a wider range of vocabulary.
  • Address Dictionary Limitations: Expand the dictionary to include more common words and phrases.

Medium Priority:

  • Implement Dialogue Trainers: Develop a feature for practicing full dialogues and conversations.
  • Add Signing Practice/Feedback: Explore options for allowing users to record and evaluate their signing.
  • Develop a Placement Test: Create an initial assessment to determine the user's ASL proficiency and allow them to skip ahead.
  • Implement Landscape Mode: Add support for landscape mode on tablets.

Low Priority:

  • Add Offline Access/Downloadable Chapters: The ability to download lessons for offline use.
  • Implement Family Sharing: An option to share a subscription with family members.
  • Add Dark Mode: A dark mode option for improved visibility in low-light conditions.
  • Add Spanish Language Support: A request for Spanish language support.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Signing Feedback Tool: Develop an app that uses AI to analyze a user's signing and provide real-time feedback on handshapes, movements, and facial expressions.
  • Subscription-Free ASL Learning Platform: Create a free ASL learning platform funded by donations or partnerships with organizations that support the Deaf community.
  • ASL Tutoring Marketplace: Develop a platform that connects ASL learners with certified Deaf tutors for personalized instruction.
  • ASL-Integrated Video Conferencing: Integrate ASL translation into video conferencing platforms to facilitate communication between Deaf and hearing individuals.
  • Gamified ASL Learning for Children: Create a fun and engaging ASL learning app specifically designed for children, with interactive games and activities.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Demand for Accessible ASL Education: There's a clear demand for accessible and affordable ASL learning resources.
  • Frustration with Paywalls: Users are increasingly frustrated with aggressive paywalls in language learning apps.
  • Value Placed on Deaf Instructors: Users highly value learning from Deaf instructors and appreciate the authenticity they bring to the learning experience.
  • Importance of Practical Application: Users want features that allow them to practice signing in real-world scenarios.

Conclusion

Lingvano has a solid foundation as an effective ASL learning app, but its current pricing model is hindering its potential. By addressing the key user pain points, particularly the aggressive paywall and high subscription price, and by implementing frequently requested features, Lingvano can significantly improve user satisfaction and attract a wider audience. A revised pricing strategy and a focus on practical application will be crucial for long-term success.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lingvano-learn-sign-language/id1547252782?uo=2