Closed beta · Mobile app delivered
Hermeneia
AI-assisted Scripture study · 8 languages · private beta in daily use
45+ testers · 8 UI languages
Introduction
Hermeneia helps people study Scripture with clear, reference-grounded insight instead of shallow chatbot answers. I designed the full mobile product, built the app, and delivered it to the client. It is now in closed beta, with testers using Simple and Deep Insight modes across eight UI languages.
Challenge
People read verses alone, trust confident but shallow AI answers, and rarely find solid interpretation in their language or tradition. The product had to feel global, private, and calm, not like another engagement feed. The client needed a real app in testers' hands, not prototype screens.
Research
- Talked with early readers about where study breaks down: isolated verses, shallow AI answers, and little support in their language or tradition.
- Compared Simple vs Deep Insight needs so casual daily reading and serious study could share one product without feeling like two apps.
- Checked privacy and tone expectations: people wanted Scripture-first answers, on-device calm, and no streak pressure or feed-style hooks.
Approach
- Designed a daily rhythm: Verse of the Day, Simple vs Deep Insight modes, and a three-step journey (Understand, Reflect, Apply).
- Structured AI answers with Scripture references, clear labels (Doctrine, Principle, Cultural Application), and calm claim checks where teaching is shared.
- Built the Bible reader, study history, threads, and settings around Scripture first, on-device privacy, and slow attention without streak pressure.
- Developed the mobile app so study flows, language switching, and insight modes worked in production, not demo-only.
- Supported eight UI languages and reading lenses so clarity scaled globally without careless cultural framing.
- Kept the visual tone calm and editorial so serious study felt trustworthy, not gamified.
Decisions
- Split Simple and Deep Insight so everyday readers and serious students could stay in one app without drowning in depth.
- Required Scripture references and claim labels on AI answers instead of freeform chatbot replies.
- Skipped streaks and feed loops on purpose so the product rewarded attention, not addiction metrics.
Impact
- 45+ beta testers actively using Simple and Deep Insight modes with Scripture-grounded answers.
- Bible reader, study history, threads, and settings work in the shipped mobile build.
- Eight UI languages supported in the beta product for global reach.
- Mobile app delivered to the client. I designed it and built it, so the live UI matched the product we agreed.
- Built for quiet study, not streaks and feeds.
Hiring or building something similar?
Send a short note with the product, timeline, and what you need. I read these myself and usually reply within one business day.