User tests to develop the VINCE translator feature
Collaborative testing in Turku
In May and June 2025, around 50 migrants participated in the testing and evaluating the VINCE application translations in 28 different languages. The goal was to assess the quality of the AI-based translator tool and to ensure that it reflects the needs and experiences of its users.
User tests were organized by Sateenkaari Koto ry and those took place in various accessible spaces across Turku. In addition to this, Katja Ollikainen from Sateenkaari Koto travelled around Turku to meet participants in their everyday environments.
– The goal has been to provide easy-to-access testing locations and lower the threshold for participation, says Ollikainen.
Real experiences shaping the tool
The experiences and insights shared by the participants play a crucial role in shaping the VINCE application through a user-centered design process. Users are helping to identify both strengths and areas for improvement. One of the most praised features has been the spoken translations.
– In several languages, the quality of the speech output has been described as comparable to that of a language teacher. On the other hand, some written translations remain problematic, with issues of accuracy or readability in certain languages, Ollikainen continues.
Thanks to the participants’ skillful and detailed feedback, all identified issues have been documented and reported to the technical development team, FIT at Turku UAS, for further development.
– It felt good to be asked for my opinion. Sometimes I struggle with translation apps, so knowing this one is being improved based on our feedback means a lot, said one of the testers.
Looking ahead
Translation testing in Turku will continue in August. The aim is to test all 57 languages supported by the application by the end of 2025.
