As an experiment with AI during Pointless, we built a working language learning app in 24 hours. Here's how it went!

Viget is a digital agency specializing in web design, development, and digital marketing. Readers can learn about design trends, user experience principles, and front-end development techniques. With articles, case studies, and design showcases, Viget provides  insights and expertise for creating engaging and effective digital experiences.

Viget

Three UX researchers at Viget built a working language learning app in 24 hours during an internal hackathon, using AI tools without any dedicated developers. They used Claude as a technical advisor, Google AI Studio to generate a functional prototype within minutes from a single detailed prompt, and Gemini for branding and mascot imagery. Key lessons include using big upfront prompts instead of iterative ones, treating AI as a pair-programming partner, and keeping strategic UX decisions in human hands rather than letting AI fill gaps autonomously. The final app supports 14 languages with vocabulary practice, quizzes, and a beagle mascot named Barnaby.

Big Prompts & Beagle Power: How We Built an AI Language App in 24 Hours