STAR

The name STAR inspires users to reach for the stars on their language learning journey, encouraging them to achieve their highest potential.

Language Learning App

My Role

UX/UI Designer

Project

Personal

Catetory

Education

Timeline

Sep - Nov, 2024

Overview

Does vocabulary-focused learning make you feel less engaging?

Overview

Does vocabulary-focused learning make you feel less engaging?

Overview

Does vocabulary-focused learning make you feel less engaging?

Goal

Moving Beyond Vocabulary

Providing a more engaging and effective learning experience to maintain user motivation.

“I want to use the words in real-life situations.”

“Vocabulary-focused learning is boring.”

User Research

Online survey with 30 participants aged 18 to 45, to gather insights on language learning

Q: What is the biggest challenge you face when you learn a new language?

39% of respondents(12) stated that maintaining motivation is the most challenging aspect they struggle with.

Maintaining Motivation

Understanding Grammar

Lack of Real Life Practice

Retaining Vocabulary

Q: What motivates you to learn a new language?

Based on online survey, 53% of respondents(16) stated that cultural interest is their primary motivation.

“I love K-pop and dramas, but I want to understand them better.”

-Emily, 25

Pain point

Struggles to connect what she learns in the app with real conversations while enjoying cultural content

#Kpop

#Dramafan

#Culture

“I like gamified learning, but the repetitive format becomes boring.”

-Daniel, 33

Pain point

Loses interest when gamified elements feel repetitive and lack variety, making it hard to stay engaged in the learning process

#Game

#Motivation

#LevelUp

“I want to use what I learn in real-world conversations.”

-Sarah, 41

Pain point

Struggles to apply vocabulary in real-life scenarios due to a lack of practical conversation practice

#Fluency

#Speaking

#Practice

User Research

Online survey with 30 participants aged 18 to 45, to gather insights on language learning

Q: What is the biggest challenge you face when you learn a new language?

39% of respondents(12) stated that maintaining motivation is the most challenging aspect they struggle with.

Maintaining Motivation (39%)

Understanding Grammar (22%)

Lack of Real Life Practice (20%)

Retaining Vocabulary (19%)

Q: What motivates you to learn a new language?

Based on online survey, 53% of respondents(16) stated that cultural interest is their primary motivation.

“I love K-pop and dramas, but I want to understand them better.”

-Emily, 25

Pain point

Struggles to connect what she learns in the app with real conversations while enjoying cultural content

#Kpop

#Dramafan

#Culture

“I like gamified learning, but the repetitive format becomes boring.”

-Daniel, 33

Pain point

Loses interest when gamified elements feel repetitive and lack variety, making it hard to stay engaged in the learning

#Game

#Motivation

#LevelUp

“I want to use what I learn in real-world conversations.”

-Sarah, 41

Pain point

Struggles to apply vocabulary in real-life scenarios due to a lack of practical conversation practice

#Fluency

#Speaking

#Practice

User Research

Online survey with 30 participants aged 18 to 45, to gather insights on language learning

Q: What is the biggest challenge you face when you learn a new language?

39% of respondents(12) stated that maintaining motivation is the most challenging aspect they struggle with.

Maintaining Motivation

Understanding Grammar

Lack of Real Life Practice

Retaining Vocabulary

Q: What motivates you to learn a new language?

Based on online survey, 53% of respondents(16) stated that cultural interest is their primary motivation.

“I love K-pop and dramas, but I want to understand them better.”

-Emily, 25

Pain point

Struggles to connect what she learns in the app with real conversations while enjoying cultural content

#Kpop

#Dramafan

#Culture

“I like gamified learning, but the repetitive format becomes boring.”

-Daniel, 33

Pain point

Loses interest when gamified elements feel repetitive and lack variety, making it hard to stay engaged in the learning process

#Game

#Motivation

#LevelUp

“I want to use what I learn in real-world conversations.”

-Sarah, 41

Pain point

Struggles to apply vocabulary in real-life scenarios due to a lack of practical conversation practice

#Fluency

#Speaking

#Practice

Insights

Sustained Motivation and Engagement

Cultural Content

Cultural content can help users connect with the language by immersing them in real-life experiences.

Cultural content can help users connect with the language by immersing in real-life experiences.

Immersive

Gamification

Gamification elements will keep users motivated and make the learning experience more fun and enjoyable.

Gamification elements will keep users motivated and make the learning experience more enjoyable.

Interactive

Real Life Scenario

Real life conversation practice will help users to improve their speaking skills and overall confidence in communication.

Real life conversation practice will help users to improve their speaking skills and confidence.

Authentic

Competitive Analysis

Comparison of 4 Major Language Learning Apps

Duolingo

Strengths

Gamification elements

A wide range of languages

Bite-size lessons

Weaknesses

Vocabulary and basic grammar focused

Limited real-life conversational practice

Reference Point

High standard in gamified learning with streaks, leaderboards

LingoDeer

Strengths

In-depth lessons for Asian languages

Clear grammar explanations

Offline mode available

Weaknesses

Limited language options

Require a paid subscription

Reference Point

Offering comprehensive grammar lessons that could be a valuable additon

Memrise

Strengths

Real-life video clips

Community generated content

Offline mode available

Weaknesses

Lack of structured learning

Limited depth in grammar

Reference Point

Native speaker videos, immersive learning with ‘Learn with Locals’

Drops

Strengths

Visual learning

Fast-paced learning with short session

Simple user interface

Weaknesses

Vocabulary centric learning

Limited real-life application

Reference Point

Visually-driven vocabulary learning, make language learning more engaging.

Flowchart

Design System

The design system ensures a cohesive and user-friendly experience, maintaining visual consistency while enhancing readability and engagement through carefully selected typography, colors, and illustrations.

Prototyping

Final Design Approach

Based on the 3 key insights, I created the features to improve users' language learning experience.

Real-Life Scenarios: Authentic

Authentic

Conversation with chat bot

Chatbot gives instant feedback, making learning more practical

Cultural Content: Immersive

Immersive

Cultural Immersion

Songs, movies, dramas help users connect with the language naturally

Gamification: Interactive

Interactive

Reward System

Gamification encourages users to stay active and complete their goals

Conversation with Chatbot

The chatbot conversation feature allows users to engage in practical, real-life dialogues. Users can choose their level and dive deeper into scenarios, improving their overall speaking skills.

Cultural Immersion

Users can explore a variety of cultural contexts such as songs, dramas, movies, and variety shows which helps them engage with learning more effectively.

Reward System

The app's quiz and reward system makes learning more engaging and effective. By completing quizzes, users can test their knowledge and immediately receive rewards.

Takeaways

Through this project, balancing motivation with an enjoyable learning experience was a challenge. I integrated cultural content, gamification, and real-life conversation practice.

If I had more time, I would focus on using AI features to create more personalized assistance and adaptive interfaces.

Through this project, balancing motivation with an enjoyable learning experience was a challenge. I integrated cultural content, gamification, and real-life conversation practice. If I had more time, I would focus on using AI features to create more personalized assistance and adaptive interfaces.