SIgns product banner: learn sign language with guided paths and Practice Mirror
02 / software

SIgns

Accessibility · Sign Language

A React Native app, built by a team of two, that makes learning sign language approachable through a visual dictionary and bite-sized structured lessons.

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Make sign language as easy to start as any spoken language

SIgns is a mobile-first learning product built by a two-person team: a visual dictionary and structured lessons for learners who are usually left out of language apps.

Dictionary

Search or browse signs with clear demos and descriptions.

Lessons

Progressive paths from greetings to conversation.

Practice

Recognition, matching, and recall exercises.

Progress

Tracking and streaks that keep learners returning.

2Builders
2Product pillars
1RN codebase

Why it exists

Most language products optimize for speech. Sign languages stay underserved despite millions of potential learners.

Before: spoken-first market
YouTube clipsStatic PDFsRandom appsInconsistent demosNo progress pathSpoken-only UX
After: sign-first product
StudentOS
Before: spoken-first marketAfter: sign-first product
Time to first useful sign25%
Structured lesson coverage82%
Review friction30%

How it was built

A two-person React Native ship: one codebase for iOS and Android, focused on reusable lesson and dictionary UI.

React NativeShared mobile UI for both platforms.
NavigationReact Navigation across dictionary and lessons.
StateZustand for progress, favorites, and session flow.
BackendNode.js API with PostgreSQL for learning content.
01

Define the gap

Spoken-language apps dominate; sign learners lack a clear start and a durable practice loop.

02

Pick two pillars

Ship a visual dictionary and structured lessons before expanding into extra features.

03

Move as a team of two

Choose React Native so one product surface can reach both stores without splitting the team.

04

Teach in steps

Progress from greetings to conversational signing with recognition, matching, and recall.

Screens · Product
SIgns home learning path
01Home

A clear learning path with streak, gems, and the next lesson to continue.

SIgns practice drills screen
02Practice

Daily quiz, challenges, flashcards, and matching drills at your own pace.

SIgns profile and progress screen
03Profile

Level progress, practice days, badges, and motivation loops in one place.

SIgns app icon
04Brand

Built by a two-person team around dictionary learning and structured lessons.

PlatformReact NativeTeam2 buildersFocusAccessibilityPillarsDictionary + lessons

Highlights

  • Visual dictionary with search, categories, and favorites
  • Structured lesson paths by difficulty
  • Recognition, matching, and recall exercises
  • Progress tracking and completion streaks
  • Single React Native codebase for iOS and Android

Tech Stack

  • React Native
  • React Navigation
  • Zustand
  • Node.js
  • PostgreSQL

Getting Started

Prerequisites

  • Node.js
  • npm or yarn
  • iOS Simulator, Android emulator, or a physical device

Run the app

  1. Clone the SIgns repository (screadman/SIgns).
  2. Open the asl-app workspace and install dependencies.
  3. Start the React Native app on iOS or Android.
  4. Explore the dictionary and lesson flows end to end.

Project Structure

asl-app/
  assets/asl/     # Sign media by category
  assets/onboarding/
  # React Native screens, navigation, and state

Roadmap

  • Expand conversational lesson coverage
  • Strengthen progress and review loops
  • Improve discovery across the dictionary
  • Keep accessibility first as the product grows

Trade-offs

DecisionDictionary + lessons as the two product pillars
TradeoffOne RN codebase so a two-person team can ship both platforms
ConstraintKeep learning accessible without turning into a spoken-language clone