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LinguiQuest
Language Learning App
Exploring the Challenge
I hypothesized that users desired to customize their Spanish language learning, rather than relying on an app to determine their learning path. To test this, I conducted a competitive analysis, surveys, and interviews.
Competitive Analysis
A competitive analysis of comparable language learning tools revealed key strengths and weaknesses, guiding me to identify opportunities for LinguiQuest unique value proposition.
Duolingo
Duolingo offers gamified approach to learning and an engaging visual design. While it also adapts to different learning styles and offers a placement test, users find the interface cluttered and the onboarding process lengthy. The home screen’s many icons and lack of a user-friendly tour can be confusing. Additionally, users cannot create personalized vocabulary lists, limiting customization options for self-directed learning.
Quizlet
Quizlet streamlines vocabulary building with suggested definitions and allows users to customize and share vocabulary lists, creating a personalized learning experience. Its diverse study options, including flashcards, games, and pronunciation features, cater to various learning styles. However, the busy home screen—with ads and small text—can feel overwhelming. The UI's repetitive elements may make the experience feel monotonous, like using traditional flashcards.
Research Goals
Understand user preferences and strategies for studying and retaining new vocabulary
Identify key motivational factors and pain points in vocabulary learning apps
Explore user habits around vocabulary learning, including time spent and integration with daily routines
Methodology
4 phone interviews with participants ages 25-44
1 interview conducted in Spanish with a native language speaker
Overall Insights
The following insights highlight users' top needs and desires.
Flexible Study Options
Provide diverse, customizable study activities (e.g., vocabulary flashcards, listening, and contextualized conversations) to accommodate different learning preferences and goals.
Cultural & Practical Relevance
Offer culturally rich content and situational vocabulary (e.g., workplace conversations) to enhance language learning motivation and real-world applicability.
Gamification with Balance
Include engaging gamification elements without overwhelming users with excessive rewards, maintaining focus on learning effectiveness.
Efficient Learning Aids
Support efficient study through features like suggested word associations and mnemonics, helping users retain challenging vocabulary quickly and effectively.
Consolidating Research
With an understanding of user behaviors, needs/goals, I created user flows.
User Flows
Course Lesson
Onboarding
Crafting the Experience
After defining the user flows, I outlined the app's key features: study user-created or pre-made vocabulary lists, complete LinguiQuest-designed courses, create and search for vocabulary lists and courses, and use AI for language-related questions. I then developed low- and mid-fidelity wireframes to visualize these features.
Dashboard
Create a Vocabulary Card Screen
My Vocabulary & Courses Screen
Search Screen
AI Screen
Refining through Feedback
After developing mid-fidelity wireframes, I performed usability tests with 3 different participants, asking them to complete the tasks below. I took into account feedback from these tests to make changes to the design.
Tasks
Create and account and complete onboarding process
Create a flashcard set and add words to the set
Review created flashcards and complete activities of a course
Search for a course on a desired topic
Results & Iterations
During testing, I observed both user comments and interactions with the app. Overall, users appreciated having more control over their language learning and found it easy create and study flashcards. They also appreciated its simple, uncluttered UI, especially compared to other apps. However, some pain points emerged: primarily, unclear wording (e.g., confusion over terms like "set" for vocabulary lists) and limited access to recent activity. The next iteration addressed these issues, focusing on clearer wording and quick-access options for recent activity on the dashboard.
Visual Design Decisions
In addition to updating the dashboard content and layout, I finalized the app’s theme, focusing on color, typography, and imagery to create a fun, approachable experience. To reduce intimidation around language learning, I selected the Montserrat Alternative font, a green-based color scheme, and incorporated playful cartoon graphics throughout. Some screens featuring these UI elements are shown below.
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Conclusion
The design and development of LinguiQuest centered on empowering users to customize their language learning experience—a key differentiator from other language apps. Through user research and testing, I identified opportunities to streamline the experience, including addressing pain points around terminology clarity and ensuring quick access to recent activities. This feedback guided targeted design changes, resulting in an app that users found both intuitive and flexible.
User feedback confirmed the appeal of LinguiQuest’s lighthearted theme and customization features, underscoring our goal of offering a tailored, engaging language-learning journey. Moving forward, next steps include applying the established UI themes across additional screens and integrating a comprehensive course curriculum. In conclusion, LinguiQuest meets users' desire for personalized learning by offering a dynamic, user-centered platform that prioritizes choice and adaptability in vocabulary study.
