LIVE CAPTION APP DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
The Challenge:
1 in 5 Americans experience hearing loss, a condition that can lead to isolation and challenges few truly grasp. The repercussions range from job loss to social exclusion, alongside the financial strain of surgeries. Commonly, this struggle is accompanied by feelings of despair and even suicidal thoughts.
Imagine a world where closed captions, like those on TV, are ubiquitous. Picture schools, workplaces, places of worship, and gatherings seamlessly streaming text of spoken words for those with hearing impairments. Envision effortless communication with loved ones, neighbors, and colleagues through real-time captions without an intermediary. Consider the transformative power of instant translations into various languages, dismantling language barriers and fostering fluent conversations across diverse settings.
Enter Live Caption, my innovative app that revolutionizes interactions for the deaf community. On iOS and Android, Live Caption enables real-time text transcription of face-to-face discussions and online broadcasting. A future where public speakers, educators, religious leaders, and managers address individuals with hearing challenges effortlessly is within reach. My vision is to redefine conversational norms, inclusivity, and global dialogue by erasing hearing as a prerequisite for communication. Let's reintegrate marginalized communities into the discourse and enhance worldwide accessibility.
The Process:
Determined to develop and launch the app on a tight budget, I embraced lean UX principles. In 2011, Google unveiled the Android App Inventor, streamlining app development. Utilizing this innovation, I successfully deciphered converting user speech into real-time on-screen text. Despite facing obstacles, I navigated through the constraints of App Inventor to release the app on Google Play.
I iterated based on user feedback and honed the app further. By 2014, in collaboration with an iOS developer, we re-envisioned and launched the app for iPhone and iPad. The enthusiastic reception from users inspired us to continue refining the tool.
Fast-forward to 2024, where I recently introduced a new iteration, Live Caption AI. This iteration builds upon the original concept by employing advanced ASR (automatic speech recognition) technology and the capability to stream captions to other devices over the web. This groundbreaking innovation is valuable for public speakers, educational institutions, and religious organizations, enhancing accessibility and providing a reference point for their presentations.
The Result:
I launched for Android in 2011, iOS in 2014 and launched Live Caption AI for both in 2024, gaining thousands of paying customers with little promotion. It continues to be purchased and praised by users all over the globe through word of mouth and minimal cost. I invest time promoting them on social media to generate awareness and connect with people and organizations that benefit from this live-captioning technology.
Visit LiveCaptionAI.com
Customer Feedback:
"With your app, you've made a difference in my life. I was born hearing. I've lost the majority of it after 23 years.... I'm now legally deaf and have been for about five years. I know some sign, but it’s not a primary language for most...and not even for me. ... Everyday tasks that require interactions with others can just be overwhelming. I just got my first android phone for Christmas, and then I got your app, Live Caption. Clicking your "appreciate" button just isn't enough. You ROCK." – Janet
"Because I am legally deaf, when I attend meetings, my company pays around $100 an hour for me to have real time captioning. One time, we had a two-day meeting and for just the transcription for me, they paid around $2,000. I feel awful asking for it, so I go to 1/10 of the meetings I would attend if I could hear. Your app can make the world more accessible, not just for individuals, but also for businesses, and open the road to employment for individuals with hearing loss or deafness--provide access to education at private universities across the nation who claim they don't have to provide this service."
– Christina
"I am deafened late in life and had no way to communicate with my wife, friends, neighbors, store clerks, and others. This app has given me back a major portion of my life. I can communicate again. The developer has continued to improve the app (he responds to suggestions, problems, accolades). My wife and I communicate using Live Caption totally. ... I highly recommend the app and have found that other hearing impaired persons, Audiologists, and those with whom I use this app are amazed and excited about this technology. Kudos to its developer and to Google Play for making this app and personal captioning available." – Jerry
"My name is Spencer and I am a deaf consultant for British Deaf Foundation. For the last 8 years, I have been looking for a solution where I can speak to people without help from interpreter or a third party agent, as I want to be independent like everyone else. Then I saw your website on Google. I saw the video and bought the product via iTunes for a trial. Eureka!! You have MADE me so happy and I can easily engage with a lot of people."
– Spencer