With over 200 nationalities in the GCC, English has become the predominant language in schools and homes. Today, we face the reality that almost 70% of Arab children in the region are more fluent in English than in Arabic. Recognizing that children spend an average of over six hours a day on their mobile phones, we saw this challenge as an opportunity for Samsung to address a significant linguistic shift through their devices. We conceptualized a solution to enhance Arabic literacy through technology.

Enter ‘KalimaLock’, the first-of-its-kind smart device padlock designed to promote Arabic learning with every unlock. By activating the app and setting the difficulty level, parents can transform their children’s regular lock-screen pattern into an Arabic word challenge. This innovative approach not only made learning interactive but also seamlessly integrated it into daily digital habits.

Tasked with naming the app, I believed ‘KalimaLock’ was the perfect portmanteau that emphasized the issue and solution therein. 'Kalima' (Arabic for 'word') and 'lock', underscoring the unlocking of new words and linguistic skills. Beyond the name, I ensured clarity and ease of use through effective UX writing, guiding parents and children through the app's functionality and fostering an engaging learning environment.

The project's success was underscored by its recognition at the Dubai Lynx 2016 awards, where KalimaLock won the Grand Prix and Silver awards. This accolade affirmed its innovative approach to combining technology with education and its impact on Arabic literacy among the youth.