Linguist
Assignment
Design a mobile application focused on learning new vocabulary, to be used on the go for quick 5 to 10-minute study sessions
My Role
Solo student project for CareerFoundry UI/UX Design Mentorship Program, from conducting user research to delivering the visual design concept
Tools
Figma
Marvel
Balsamiq
PROBLEM
People of all ages and backgrounds take courses. At CareerFoundry, we believe that learning something new, (and learning how to learn!), is a critical life skill no matter your age, location, or circumstances.
However, keeping track of all the jargon when studying a new discipline can be difficult. Students need a way to methodically categorize, reference, and study new vocabulary and concepts to move forward confidently in their field.
With that said, there is a need for an application for users with little time to dedicate to learning new vocabulary, those who are always busy with professional and personal matters, losing motivation, and focus, and struggling to establish a study routine and advance in the learning process.
How might we design a mobile app that empowers people to learn new vocabulary?
SOLUTION
Learning in an entertaining and efficient way
Quiz learning: A fun way of learning and testing the knowledge through quizzes
Game mode: Answer questions individually or play against friends to accelerate learning
Advanced learning process: Reviewing subjects and mistakes anytime to make progress
Motivation, routine, and focus
Establish study routine: Receive notifications as a reminder that it's time to study
Motivated to keep going: Keep track of your progress and be awarded and rewarded for your performance
Contextualized learning: Create and save your flashcards to practice later
APPROACH
01
Define
Problem statement
Business requirements
User Stories
02
Research
Competitive analysis
User interview
User persona
User journey
User flows
03
Design
Concept
Wireframe
Prototype
04
Evaluate
Usability testing
Affinity mapping
RESEARCH
Competitive analysis
I performed an in-depth study of three competitors to understand the market, key objectives, overall strategy, and advantages, evaluating usability, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT).
Usability testing
To evaluate the prototype, I conducted Usability Tests with 5 participants to observe and measure their interaction with the app, analysing behaviour, feelings, and actions when performing the given tasks.
User interviews
I recruited potential users to participate in interviews conducted by me. They answered questions that aimed to understand user behavior around applications used to learn new vocabulary, what are their difficulties, their needs, what they like and what they don't like about these applications.
INSIGHTS
COMPETITOR ANALISYS
In addition to presenting all the features below, Linguist is the only one that provides different study methods (quiz and flashcards) in one single platform.
USER INTERVIEWS
Through interviews with potential users, it was observed that after a short period of time using the platforms, the majority face problems staying focused and motivated, as many of them have busy lives and work routines.
For these reasons, users expect an application that is convenient for short sessions whenever they find time, has a fun learning mode, and can track progress so that they can feel motivated to continue the learning process.
USABILITY TEST
General information: 03 participants; 04 tasks;
Context: The user is learning Dutch and wants to save the world Polshorloge as a new flashcard to practice later.
Major problems found:
The placement of the Dutch flag next to the gear created the misconception that this would be the place to change the app language.
The positioning of the Flashcard features is odd.
The size of the typography is too small to read.
Filing lost at the end of the task “Add new Flashcard”, not knowing where to go after, and missing options like “back to home”, and “add new flashcard”.
Tool: Balsamiq
FINAL DESIGN
Engaging Learning: Transforms learning into a fun activity with quizzes and game modes, keeping users motivated and interested.
Efficient Progress: Allows users to review and correct mistakes anytime, ensuring continuous improvement and confidence.
Time-Friendly: Designed for busy users, helping them manage time, stay motivated, and focus on learning.
Routine and Motivation: Provides study reminders and rewards progress, helping users establish and maintain a consistent study routine.
Comprehensive Support: Combines fun learning with structured vocabulary and concept management, catering to all ages and backgrounds.
