Ligo helps test and simplify the app
Flanders has 13 Ligo centers for basic education, where adults with low literacy skills can take classes. From newcomers to Flemish people without a diploma, from young parents to seniors: the participants are very diverse. That is precisely why they were the ideal partners to test the simplified mode of our app.
15 June 2026 - Tips, information and news
The Importance of the Digital World
“Many people are missing out on the digital revolution, and this is underestimated,” begins Yves Gregoor (deputy director of Ligo Limburg-Zuid). “Across Flanders, we have 45,000 students, and for many of them, the online aspect poses a barrier. If they can’t plan their transportation with an app, they won’t make it to class, a job interview, or important appointments.”
He appreciates that De Lijn is aware of this: “It’s great that you recognize that the most vulnerable people depend on public transportation.”
Contributing to research
“De Lijn came by and spoke with our illiterate students. An initial presentation proved too difficult, but things went better with the app prototype. I shared that with the 12 other centers in Flanders. Our main feedback? That the language needed to be simpler. ‘Plan route,’ for example, became ‘Where do you want to go?,’ because we work with question words in our language lessons.”
After a final survey, the finishing touches were added. “Active commands like ‘Find stop’ and ‘Choose your route’ were our preference. Also, ‘Favorites’ was too difficult, so that became ‘My stops.’ Not all of our suggestions were adopted, but we really felt heard. I would therefore summarize the collaboration as professional, pleasant, and top-notch.”
In the Ligo lesson
The simple mode is used not only during the research but also during the lesson. “We install it and then let students explore further. The Read Aloud button is worth its weight in gold. The Flemish voice, in particular, helps with recognition and pronunciation.”
The larger font and simple design also work well. “Fewer functions on the screen create a sense of calm.”
If we could dream…
“Additional languages like Arabic or Pashto would be fantastic,” concludes Yves. “Students could then start in their native language and switch to Dutch. That would present design challenges, since those languages are read from right to left, but it could be a major step forward.”
Try it yourself
After reading this story, are you curious about our app’s simple mode? Then try it out for yourself by switching between the modes in our app. Or read all about it on our website.