Language learning app that offers users a variety of methods to learn a new language. In this case study, I will explore the design process behind Birdio and highlight its essential features:

Role:

UX designer

Duration:

July 3, 2023- July 13, 2023

Tools used:

Pen, Paper, Marvel, Discord, Canva

Research

I conducted user interviews to see what users like and dislike about learning and language apps, such as their study method, motivation and struggles when studying. One of the difficulties I had when doing the user interview was that some of their answers applied to multiple questions. When this happened, I would skip the questions it pertained to or ask the users to elaborate. Summarizing the result of the interview, I was able to learn that users can learn words effectively through:

  • understanding the word

  • repetition

  • getting rewards.

I compiled answers from the user interview and created a persona, Alana Merritt whose main challenge was understanding the language when travelling. I was able to get a better idea of what I should be focusing on when creating a language app. I believe that by creating an entertaining and engaging vocabulary app for Alana, she will be fluent in more languages.

Problem Statement:

Alana Merrit needs a way to learn languages because she wants to interact with people when she travels. We will know this to be true when we see her become fluent in more languages.

For Birdio’s competitve analysis. I contemplated which language app I should review. I eventually decided to review two popular language apps and a simple flashcard app: Duolingo, Hey! Japan,  and Vocabulary Miner. By doing this, I was able to get an idea of what each app offers users:

  • Duolingo is one of the popular and well-known language apps due to its multiple learning strategies to teach users new vocabulary.

  • Hey! Japan focuses on learning Japanese and is a well-known language app due to its interactive and friendly approach to user interface.

  • Vocabulary Miner is a flashcard app that makes it easy to import words and categorize levels of language fluency.

Ideations

With Alana in mind, I started to design a language app that is easy to use and engaging. I created task analysis and sitemaps that I thought would be useful and entertaining to her. I implemented features where Alana can:

  •  Add and practice vocabulary words 

  • Use those words with other users to help her learn a new word.

I had some difficulty in figuring out where should some features go. I resolved this by using my competitive analysis as an inspiration. I added a tracking feature, different ways to add words, and a way to practice words. With my first prototype, Alana can:

  • track her learning progress

  • change the language she is learning

  • add words by typing, drawing, voice recording, or pictures to increase accessibility.

  • customized definition to create a personalized word bank. This will help her understand and learn a word. 

user testing

Using the low-fid wireframes, I conducted moderated remote testing on the navigation of the prototype. I tested users on four direct tasks and four scenario tasks. I wanted to test the current navigation of the app for efficiency and ease of use.

After reviewing the results from user testing, it highlighted some issues with the navigation and usability of Birdio. I have prioritized which errors need more attention based on their severity. Results showed that users had difficulty finding some features and using some of the functions.

Using the result from the usability testing and recommendation, I started to brainstorm on possible solutions for some of the severe errors. I changed some of the wording to help users understand the functions. I learned that more detailed instructions and labels would help users navigate the features of the app better.

What’s next?

My Takeaway

I feel Alana is able to utilize the features in the app to help her learn a new language or word. She can add words to her library, practice the words by herself or with other people, and track her progress.

Work on apps features

  • What games should be implemented?

  • How and what positive reinforcement to add?

  • Change some words to icons

Testing

  • Retest the new modified prototype navigation

  • Get more feedback on the app

Working on my first UX design project made me realize that just because I know the features and the button, it does not mean the other users do. I enjoyed doing the research and creating the wireframes during this project. I was able to improve creating labels, asking questions, and user navigation.

Concluding Thoughts

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