Development of SobatAI: A Companion Chatbot for English Language Learning Based on Users’ Passion and Profession
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into educational practices has enabled the development of adaptive learning tools that provide personalized language-learning experiences. This study aims to develop SobatAI, an English learning companion chatbot that adapts to users’ passions and professional backgrounds. Employing the Design and Development Research (DDR) method, this study consists of three phases: analysis of user needs, system design and development, and usability testing. A total of 75 university students and early-career professionals participated in prototype testing. Findings show that SobatAI successfully provides personalized vocabulary, situational dialogues, and micro-learning content tailored to users’ specific fields, such as technology, health, tourism, and creative industries. Usability scores indicate that the system achieves high acceptance, with an average SUS score of 83.2. The study concludes that integrating personal interests and professional context significantly enhances engagement and relevance in English language learning. Recommendations for further improvement include incorporating multimodal responses and adaptive proficiency-level tracking.