A case study in vocabulary training & language learning
Design Challenge: Create a low-fidelity mockup for a vocabulary learning application.
Meet Carolina
Carolina is a 26 year old graphic designer living in Calgary who likes design but is curious and wants to learn about topics outside her area of expertise to keep her brain sharp and hold relevant conversations when meeting people from different backgrounds.
Behaviour, Goals, and Motivation
Carolina likes to learn but finds that traditional methods of learning like reading and taking classes required a large time investment. She does, however, take the train to work and has time to study in small increments over lunch or during breaks throughout her work day. Whenever she takes the time to learn about new topics by reading articles or watching videos online, she feels a sense of accomplishment.
Problem Statement
Carolina wants to learn but finds traditional methods unengaging, ineffective, and overpriced. She doesn't always have the time to research what books to read and doesn't always see the value of doing research in her spare time.
Hypothesis Statement
We believe that creating a goal-based learning platform that uses unconventional learning methods will help Carolina have fun learning about topics she's curious about.
By focusing on 5-10 minutes of learning a day, we will provide an approachable experience that will, through repetition, provide value to Carolina's everyday life.
Inciting Incident
Carolina was on her way to work one day and as she looked around, she noticed that a lot of the people on the train were on their phones reading or listening to music. She thought back to one of the goals she had made at the start of the year about writing more and how she had started reading books on grammar and technique but found them dry and uninspiring. Besides, she found that her increased workload at work were limiting her down time, which she preferred to spend with friends and reading fiction novels.
“When I’m on my way to work, I want to be able to use my time wisely and learn valuable and relevant skills.”
“I want to be a better writer, but all the methods I’ve tried to get better haven’t inspired me or been exciting for me.”
Our First Pass
Our First Tests
•Create a study plan (new user)
•Complete a brain training session (new or returning user)
Feedback & Changes
Project Takeaways
•You're not designing for yourself
•Think of the entry and exit points
•Iterate and then iterate again
•You don't always have to be original
Next Steps
•Create a higher-fidelity prototype that includes the iterations and changes
•Build out more screens to convey the whole user flow, including error messages and a full pass through the learning and game mechanics
•Conduct unmoderated user interviews with the new prototype or do moderated tests with little to no instruction (besides a scenario and introduction to the app)
•Begin development process for v1 of the product after high-fidelity prototype is reviewed and tested
Link to Design Review:
https://www.loom.com/share/bf9e0c3479a34f57a62e68fc045a3997
