UX CASE STUDY
WORDIN
A vocabulary app to enrich your confidence
My role: UX Designer & Researcher
Duration: 1 month
Project Overview
A vocabulary learning app that help users to broaden their vocabulary and enhance their ability to comprehend and engage in conversations related to diverse subjects. By offering personalized, interactive, and context-rich vocabulary learning experiences, we aim to equip users with the linguistic tools they need to thrive in today's multifaceted world.
The Challenge
In today's increasingly diverse and knowledge-driven world, effective communication and comprehension across various domains are crucial skills. Users seek a solution to expand their vocabulary and incorporate new words into their life which will let them confidently engage in conversations and understand different topics.
The Solution
An app that offers a comprehensive set of features and tools designed to help users expand their vocabulary, boost their confidence, and seamlessly integrate new words into their daily lives. By offering a personalized and interactive learning experience, the app empowers users to communicate effectively across different domains
Design Process
Empathize
Define
Ideate
Prototype
Test
Competitive Analysis
I started analyzing three vocabulary learning apps to get a better idea of the strengths and weaknesses in the current market.
Quizlet
Multiple study areas (arts, languages, math, etc.)
Study reminders
Varied study rewards and daily streaks
Create custom flashcards
Study options: Flashcards, Learn, Test, Match
Audio content playback for flashcards
Word of the day - English Vocab
Set daily or weekly goals.
Take a 2-minute vocabulary test for a personalized experience.
Receive daily reminders.
Choose between light or dark appearance.
"Word of the day" includes image, definition, sound, and usage in a phrase.
Beelinguapp
Set weekly goals.
Access diverse stories and news articles.
Read in your target language alongside your native language.
Listen to the story.
Select your learning level.
Easily view word translations and save them to your list.
Unwanted notifications before starting lessons.
Limited choice of three languages when selecting subjects.
Progress tracking available only in the paid version.
Vocabulary learned isn't automatically saved.
3 days free trial.
Only option to sign up with Apple ID to be able to track your progress.
No option to choose from different word categories.
Free version limited to learning one language.
Premium version required for flashcard practice.
Non-intuitive glossary.
Frequent "Full access" ad pop-ups upon app re-entry.
User Research
I conducted 3 user interviews to better understand how they behave with a similar product. I have summarized the findings as “Doing”, “Feeling” and “Thinking” statements.
DOING
I learn through books, series, emails or press articles.
I work from Mondays to Fridays and in the evenings fitness activities or hanging out with friends.
I study foreign languages in my free time.
I have a language course twice a week.
I follow social media channels dedicated to learning languages.
FEELING
I feel I would like to have a quantitative target. For example, to learn one word a day.
I feel interested in a platform which makes it fun to learn vocabulary, for example with games.
I would like to spend no more than 30 mins a day.
I find convenient to use learning apps while I’m commuting or waiting in line.
I feel it is easier to remember and learn new vocabulary if I have a chance to practice it in context.
I would like to communicate more easily with native speakers.
THINKING
I believe a learning platform should be user-friendly, interactive, and visually appealing with progress tracking.
I believe engagement is crucial for maintaining consistency in learning, and seeing noticeable improvement and real-world application of new knowledge is motivating.
I think reminders would help me to stay consistent and statistics to understand my learning progress better.
I think a comprehensive learning tool should include organized sections, note-taking capabilities, and the ability to ask questions to course creators or topic experts, along with interactive content.
User Persona
Based on the information gathered on the previous interviews, I created a persona to represent the behaviors, needs and goals of potential users.
I love learning new things! and not necessarily related with my studies or work, but I don’t always find the time as you need consistency.
# Works from home most of the time but goes to the office at least 2 days a week, commuting by train or walking for 30 minutes.
# Enjoys sports and listening to music after work.
# Has a passion for reading, watching series, and listening to podcasts.
# Relies on various apps like Notion, Google Calendar, and Trello for organization.
# Values her social life and spends weekends with friends.
# Started courses in German and Digital Marketing but struggled with consistency.
# Aims to acquire practical vocabulary for real-life situations.
# Seeks knowledge across diverse interests.
# Aims to enhance speaking and writing skills.
# Requires context for word usage.
# Values reminders and structured organization.
# Prefers a user-friendly, appealing design.
# Wants to track and prioritize progress.
# Enjoys interactive learning through games.
# Values efficient, goal-oriented learning with time/word targets.
Age: 30
Nationality: Spanish
Occupation: Architect
Location: Berlin, Germany
MARTA
“
BEHAVIORS
NEEDS & GOALS
User Flows
To understand the steps the user will go through while using the app, I created user flows for the two main tasks.
Task 1: Set up personalized account
Task 2: Set study notifications
Wireframes & Mid-Fi Prototype
I sketched the wireframes for the main features of the app, which were then developed into a Mid-Fi clickable prototype.
Usability Test
I conducted 3 in-person moderated usability tests, which allowed me to compile very useful observations from the participants. Using Jakob Nielsen’s four-step error rating scale, I analyzed the different observations.
01
02
03
04
Create a new account
Tasks
Personalize account
Set study notification
Practice vocabulary
Improvements
01
02
03
04
Next Steps
The next steps in the project involve further enhancing the app's design and usability. Firstly, we will collaborate with our design team to conceptualize and design additional features that align with user needs and preferences. Following this, we will conduct additional rounds of usability tests to gather valuable user feedback and refine the app's functionality. Simultaneously, we will develop a High Fidelity prototype to provide a more detailed and realistic representation of the app's interface and interactions. To ensure a cohesive and consistent user experience, we will also create a comprehensive design system that establishes design principles, guidelines, and components. Finally, we will iterate on the user interface (UI) based on user feedback and design principles, aiming to enhance the visual appeal and usability of the app.
