Conclusion

Feedback on the ZINinNGT prototype showed that both parents and teachers appreciated its focus on sentence formation, perceptual control, need-driven retrieval, and parent-focused content. Based on feedback from our user study, we also identified additional design principles for future developments and sign language learning tools in general: a more holistic design, design for learner motivation, visual-first approaches, variant awareness, and joint parent–child use. A sign language app can be a valuable complement to sign language courses by providing extra content and practice, but it is not a replacement. Opportunities for real-life interaction with teachers and Deaf signers remain essential for interactive learning, cultural exposure, and personalized feedback. Still, we believe that tools like ZINinNGT can support hearing parents of DHH children in their daily learning process, particularly when course access is limited.

Finally, our findings confirm the broader need among hearing parents for more sign language learning resources. We hope that ZINinNGT can contribute to filling this gap. By developing learning tools specifically tailored to the needs of parents, we can support them in learning sign language and, in doing so, help improve DHH children’s access to language.