SUA:
A Rotuman Language Music App

A culturally-rooted music platform that makes songs in the Rotuman Language more accesible for modern day learners of the language.
Cultural
App design
Student project
Your alt text
My role

Research & analysis
Branding
Wireframing & prototyping

Tools

Figma
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop

Timeline

8 weeks
May-June 2024

Type

Solo work
Student project

I set out to solve a problem commonly faced by members of my Rotuman community here in Aotearoa.

The challenge

Rotumans in New Zealand and across the diaspora face significant barriers to learning and retaining their language and culture. Listed as “definitely endangered” by UNESCO, the Rotuman language is at risk—exacerbated by the small, scattered nature of overseas communities.

“Overseas Rotumans are not concentrated in large communities, so language loss in those places is happening rapidly.” — Vamarasi, 2005

This isn’t a problem that can be solved by a one-size-fits-all solution.

Our challenge: How might we support Rotumans in Aotearoa to learn the Rotuman language more effectively—outside of Rotuma itself?

Our Solution

  • A language learning up designed for the modern learner.
  • Designed specifically for the Rotuman community in New Zealand who are learn the language through song and dance.
  • Bridges the gap between knowledge-holders and those who are learning.

Design Process

Academic Research
& Field Research
Branding
Wireframing
& Prototyping
Marketing

Key features

Academic Research & Field Research
My Research was a combination of academic research of the Rotuman Language and people,
and my own personal observations -- having been an active member of the community for more than 10 years.

These issues highlighted below are common across diasporic cultures, but are intensified in Rotuma’s case due to its small global population.

Today, modern learners must actively seek out opportunities—often through online community classes—which, while valuable, come with limitations in reach, consistency, and accessibility.
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Branding
Many Rotumans in New Zealand learn the language best through song. Each year, over 50 traditional songs are created for Rotuma Day, but access to these songs, their lyrics, and translations is scattered across platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

SUA, which means “song” in Rotuman, brings all of this into one place. The branding is inspired by the bold colours and vibrant spirit of the island and its people, making language learning feel joyful and connected.
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Wireframing & Prototyping
SUA is designed to work on two levels: first as a music platform to access and enjoy traditional songs, and second as a passive language learning tool through repetition and exposure.

I wireframed core screens including the song player, music explorer, lyric view, and interactive memory cards to help users recall key words and phrases. The interface focuses on being intuitive, vibrant, and culturally connected.
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Marketing
To launch SUA, I created a campaign that connects Rotuman communities across New Zealand, Fiji, and Rotuma. The campaign is timed around Rotuma Day, the biggest event in the Rotuman calendar.

It features real members of the community as the face of the campaign—building trust, authenticity, and cultural pride.

Visuals highlight the heart of sua: singing, dancing, and celebrating language through music, shared across the platforms most used by the community.
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final design

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