Lingua

Lanugage learning reimagined.

For my very first UI project, I designed a language learning tool focused on fitting into a user’s busy schedule and helping users stay motivating.

OVERVIEW

Task: Design a tool that empowers people to learn new vocabulary.

Problem: Users struggle to dedicate time to study and often feel unmotivated if they can’t visualize their progress.

Role: UI Designer

Tools: Figma, Google Forms, Marvel

CORE FEATURES

SCHEDULE STUDY TIME

Use calendar integration to schedule dedicated study time and stick to learning goals

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Take lessons and create notes to improve language skills

PROGRESS TRACKING

View new words learned and lessons completed on home screen

RESEARCH

I conducted competitive analysis to understand the language-learning market and identify opportunities for my product.

IDENTIFIED 3 PRIMARY COMPETITIORS

DUOLINGO

✅ Large variety of languages offered

❌ Limited ability to interact with other users

BABBEL

❌ Too many advanced features without including basics, like a placement exam

❌ Inconsistent UI

BUSUU

✅ Easiest onboarding process

✅ Extensive information about grammar and usage

OPPORTUNITIES

  • Scheduling: Schedule dedicated study time with reminders and calendar integration

  • Progress tracking: Easy-to-understand visuals to track new language learning

Persona

MEET CRISTINA

"Since I'm busy, I want an easy way to schedule study time & stick to my learning goals."

Cristina is a 30 year old engineer who needs help balancing her work and social life with time to learn new language skills.

Core Needs

  • Fit studying into her busy schedule

  • Dedicated time for language learning

Frustrations

  • Often works 40+ hour weeks and spends weekends with her partner

  • Struggles to schedule time for her interests

Once I had a clearer understanding of the competition, I conducted user interviews to gain further insight about language learners’ needs. Based on these interviews, I created Cristina.

CALENDAR INTEGRATION USER FLOW

The most common themes during interviews was the challenge of scheduling time to study. I attempted to address this issues via a calendar integration feature. I also wanted to integrate clear, easy-to-access progress indicators to keep learners motivated.

 UI and Figma  Component Kit

WIREFRAMES AND PROTOTYPING

I created mockups and prototyped some of the primary flows of the app.

Taking a lesson:

Language learners can select from a list of lessons depending on their focus for the study session. Each lesson is made up of 10 slides and learners can see their lesson progress at the top of the screen. They are able to make one mistake before moving on to the next slide.

RETROSPECTIVE

WHAT WENT WELL

✅ This was my first project and introduction to Figma - it allowed me to explore creating components and developing a component library


✅ Helped me practice important Figma tools and become comfortable with basic design concepts

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

❗️ Because this was my first ever UI or UX-related project, I initially struggled to understand basic ideas around design and layout, so this project was very time consuming.

❗️I would love to have more time with this project to really focus on the UX aspect, particularly around research and understanding if and how it meets users needs.

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