PROBLEM
Despite the number of language learning tools available online, adults still face trouble learning because these tools do not have the immersive element of learning that is vital to language proficiency.
GOAL
Provide adult learners with an effective and realistic way to build conversational skills so they can achieve their language learning goals at their own pace.
Despite the number of language learning tools available online, adults still face trouble learning because these tools do not have the immersive element of learning that is vital to language proficiency.
GOAL
Provide adult learners with an effective and realistic way to build conversational skills so they can achieve their language learning goals at their own pace.
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ROLE: UX Designer and Strategist
PROJECT SCALE: 5 month Project PRIMARY STAKEHOLDER: CareerFoundry UX Immersion Course |
TOOLS USED
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INSIGHTS FROM DISCOVERY PHASE
My solution was an MVP that includes topics focused on realistic situations, live video chatting, video-based content, and control and customization of vocabulary lists.
These four main features speak to the unique needs of our persona based on our comparative analysis and user interviews (further detailed in this case study).
These four main features speak to the unique needs of our persona based on our comparative analysis and user interviews (further detailed in this case study).
FEATURE ONE
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PRACTICAL TOPICS Topics are based on situations people encounter at work and travels abroad. Topics include:
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FEATURE TWO
VIDEO-BASED CONTENT
Videos allow for a fuller learning experience, including:
Videos allow for a fuller learning experience, including:
- Natural dialogue for users to contextualize a new language
- Subtitles so users can follow along at their own pace
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FEATURE THREE
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LIVE VIDEO CHAT On-demand video calls with native speakers give users:
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FEATURE FOUR
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CUSTOMIZED VOCABULARY LISTS Lists can be updated to only feature words that users want to practice.
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THE PROCESS
OUR PERSONA, AMELIA
Amelia wants to learn so she can be a confident traveler during her trips and feel more connected to the country she's visiting.
Amelia wants to learn so she can be a confident traveler during her trips and feel more connected to the country she's visiting.
By thinking through Amelia's journey, I was able to factor in her limited amount of free time. As a result, exercises are straightforward and Amelia can quickly review only the words she wants in the vocabulary list.
USABILITY TESTING
Once the mid-fidelity wireframes complete, I held six moderated usability tests, a mix of both remote and in-person. My goals were to:
Once the mid-fidelity wireframes complete, I held six moderated usability tests, a mix of both remote and in-person. My goals were to:
- Observe points of friction and areas of delight
- Decide which options to make available in the tab menu based on user needs expectations
Here are some relevant links of the tools and the data I gained from the research and testing process.
RETROSPECTIVE
While designing Rally, I faced the challenge of keeping user needs in mind, and not only visualizing what I have in mind. From the information and quotes from interviews and usability testing, I created an affinity map, which was vital to keeping my project on track.
I used an iterative design process to integrate feedback and changes. The three rounds of changes were:
I used an iterative design process to integrate feedback and changes. The three rounds of changes were:
- Usability testing at the mid-fidelity stage
- Peer feedback after at the high-fidelity stage
- Improving accessibility by checking color contrast with WCAG guidelines
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I presented Rally's design and the research I did to the Orange County Experience Design Meetup, where I was able to practice my storytelling and presentation skills. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the local design community, share the problem I found with language learning, and how I aimed to solve that through design.
My goal for the project was to take ownership of the entire end-to-end design process, and present a project I am proud of. It was both daunting and exciting to start a project from scratch, but ultimately I grew as a designer by addressing ambiguities head-on and seeking advice from peers and mentors. In the end, I feel more confident in my abilities to advocate for users and create clear and delightful designs.
If you want to hear more about this project, feel free to contact me.
My goal for the project was to take ownership of the entire end-to-end design process, and present a project I am proud of. It was both daunting and exciting to start a project from scratch, but ultimately I grew as a designer by addressing ambiguities head-on and seeking advice from peers and mentors. In the end, I feel more confident in my abilities to advocate for users and create clear and delightful designs.
If you want to hear more about this project, feel free to contact me.