Alexandra Yamamori
Talii-kun (robot) in action (sound on)
Learning Through Play
Learning Japanese with a Robot
This project explores how language learning can happen through play,
when listening and movement become the main drivers of interaction
Book: The hungry caterpillar
The problem
Most Japanese learning tools for children rely
on reading or use English as a bridge language.
For Hebrew-speaking pre-readers, this makes independent learning largely inaccessible despite clear interest and need
Design opportunity

This project explores an alternative approach:
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Audio-led language learning
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Physical, multi-sensory interaction
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Designed for pre-readers
My bilingual family
From lived experience
Personal context
In our bilingual home, Japanese entered our child’s life later than we planned.

We wanted to introduce it without pressure, lessons, or explanations.
Most tools relied on reading or English. which didn’t work for our young pre-reader
Universal context
This experience is common in bilingual families, where one language is naturally dominant.
Without playful, accessible ways to engage, heritage languages often fade.
This project grew from that gap - exploring how design and play can help language stay alive.
A child moving and dancing while engaging with the booklet
THE CONCEPT
The experience
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The robot moves across a printed booklet
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Each page triggers Japanese voice, music, and sound
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Children learn by playing, listening, and responding
Product reframing
An existing product, reimagined for a
new learning purpose
- An existing coding robot studied and adapted for early language learning
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Core logic and interaction model restructured
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A new physical booklet system designed to enable non-literacy language use
A robot companion throughout the booklet
Core Interaction Model
The model features varied play patterns
to ensure engagement:
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Listening-based interaction
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Search and discovery
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Story-driven play
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Memory challenges
Designed for confident, independent use, with progress driven by attention and exploration rather than explanation.
Design approach
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Existing hardware, new learning strategy
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One interaction model, multiple content worlds
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Designed for scalability beyond
a single use case
When learning feels safe, playful, and personal
Product vision
A scalable system of themed booklets that grows with the child:
Animals · Food ·
Feelings · Seasons
One interaction framework, multiple learning experiences
designed for homes, classrooms, and libraries.
Role & skills

Solo project
Concept · Product & Learning Strategy · Interaction Design · Physical–Digital Integration · UX Research · Prototyping · Booklet Design
Developed as part of my M.Ed. in Educational Technology,
under the guidance and support of Dr. Ayelet Weizman and Rami Hadad