Chinese Grammar - Interview with the developer of a fantastic app

Did you have any prior development or coding experience?

I’ve been working in the IT industry for the past ten years. I started managing and doing IT projects for customers in BtoB. I always wanted to bring an innovative idea and go on the BtoC market. In terms of development, I’ve been enjoying developing with React Native lately.

What was the most challenging aspect of developing mobile app?

I believe, the most challenging aspect is not technical but the content you make. You need to add value for your end users if you want them to like it. And this app’s most exceptional quality are all the Chinese grammar lessons it contains. Making great Chinese grammar lessons that are easy to understand and straight to the point is the real work undertook.

_{Jean-Rémi Laisne}

I’m Jean-Rémi Laisne, maker of the Ninchanese method to learn Chinese. I’m passionate about tech and China.

Name a few of your favorite apps and reason you love them.

I try not to have too many apps on my phone, and only a few apps are useful. I use everyday 'Ninchanese', the other gamified Chinese learning app we’ve made (https://ninchanese.com), since I can see the progress I make every day in the Chinese language. I use the 'Deezer' app all the time too, since I think the flow feature is great to discover new music I’ll like. I also love the 'Imgur' app because it’s fun and the community is friendly. I also love the 'Google Trips' app since I love traveling. And lastly, speaking of travel, I like the 'Chinese Phrasebook' app I’ve made, they are essential sentences to have when you go to China.

How long have you been working on this app?

I’ve spent years to make the Chinese grammar lessons with our teachers, but I did the app coding in a few months.

What need of the user did you have in mind when developing this app?

On the market, you will only find Chinese grammar apps incomplete and full of ads, and with a not so great design. So I wanted them to have a free, well designed and useful experience.

In what way do you think your app is better than similar apps on the market? Please describe in detail what innovation you think you bring and what you are proud of in your app.

Learning Chinese is maybe one of the most challenging languages to learn. Understanding how the grammar rules work is vital in progressing into the language. No other app focuses on grammar lessons only and goes that far in Chinese grammar, since you’ll find lessons from a beginner to an advanced level.

What are your future plans and expected features of the coming new versions of this app?

I do not plan too much ahead, I listen to user feedback and add features as they ask.

Assuming new users of your app are reading this page. What do you want to ask them to do (contact you about X, Share the app, etc.)?

I’ll be happy to discuss with anyone who wants to learn Chinese, so drop a message. And if you are, or you know friends that learn/want to learn Chinese, please share this app with them. I’m sure they will be so happy to have it.