Project Overview
The Impact:
Flouro's impact is evident in users' prolonged engagement, with an average session duration of 30 minutes, and heightened success in speaking another language, reflected in a 25% increase in conversational proficiency scores within the first three months of using our platform. As a result, users report a 40% boost in confidence and fluency, underscoring Flouro's effectiveness in empowering language learners to achieve their goals.
The Problem:
Mastering a second language is an invaluable asset, whether for gaining a competitive edge in a career or simply as a fulfilling hobby. Despite initial interest, many individuals either hesitate to begin or fail to complete language courses.
The Opportunity:
We aim to understand the specific points at which users lose motivation and consider giving up on language learning. By gaining insight into what users need to maintain their interest, we can adapt or introduce features that continuously encourage them and foster a sense of progress. This knowledge will enable us to enhance user engagement and satisfaction, ultimately supporting them in achieving their language learning goals.
My Design Process:
1. Empathize
2. Define
3. Ideate
4. Prototype
Understanding The Competition
Research Goal
We want to gain insight to at what point people lose motivation and want to give up. What would the user like to see or need in order to maintain their interest. This knowledge would allow us to add or change features so that we are constantly encouraging the user and they feel like they are constantly making progress.
Methodologies
Immersion
Competitive Analysis
Interviews
Personas
Surveys
Competitive Analysis
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DUOLINGO
Strengths
Quick short lessons
Personalized education
Over 40+ languages
Weaknesses
Too game focused
Not enough verbal practice
Not enough grammar lessons
Not helpful words & phrase
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MEMRISE
Strengths
Quick short lessons
Good at learning and reviewing vocabulary
Videos of native speakers
Naturual language and phrases taught
Weaknesses
Not effective for learning non-vocabulary topics
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BABBEL
Strengths
Grammar integrated into lessons
Moderate verbal focus
Quick daily reviews
Live classes
Weaknesses
No live tutors
Limited content, not as helpful to more advanced students
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PIMSLEUR
Strengths
Well structured lessons
Native female and male speakers
Platform is easy to navigate and visually appealing
Weaknesses
Little visual content
Lesson speed isn’t customizable
User Interview Debrief
Overview:
The interviewees, all having attempted language learning before, seek a user-friendly application with short, enjoyable lessons and early speaking practice to achieve conversational proficiency for travel purposes.
User Goals & Needs
Achieving conversational proficiency for travel
Preferring shorter, enjoyable daily lessons
Avoiding feeling language learning as a chore
Integrating seamlessly into busy lifestyles
Prioritizing speaking practice for improved fluency
User Pain Points
Limited language options and lack of choice in selecting languages
Restricted access to topics of interest, requiring adherence to a predetermined learning path
Difficulty in mastering speaking skills, a common challenge in language learning
Frustration with language learning apps' limitations in advancing speaking proficiency beyond basic levels
Scarcity of apps offering comprehensive speaking practice and conversational fluency development
User Personas
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Jaylen Blackwell, 35
THE WORKING PILATES MOM
Jaylen, a Creative Director at a top Boston ad agency and a busy mother of three, is eager to enhance her French language skills for an upcoming family trip to France. Despite her hectic schedule, which includes Pilates, work, and caring for her children, she's determined to find time for language practice. Jaylen seeks a flexible and efficient learning platform to improve her conversational skills and learn useful travel phrases. Motivated by her passion for French culture and the desire for memorable travel experiences with her family, she faces the challenge of balancing her responsibilities while preparing for the trip.
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Hunter Adkins, 29
THE WORK HARD PLAY HARD TECH BRO
Hunter, a data analyst at a tech startup, is determined to rekindle his Mandarin studies, seeking fluency and a competitive edge. Frustrated by the lack of Mandarin speakers in his social circle and the monotony of traditional language apps, he craves engaging lessons, practical vocabulary, and conversational practice. Motivated by personal interest and career prospects, Hunter is in search of a language learning platform that will maximize his time investment and cater to his level of proficiency.
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Kaia White, 24
THE BEAUTY & FASHION GURU
Kaia, a social media marketer in Santa Monica, is preparing to meet her long-distance boyfriend's family in Korea. Though she's self-taught in Korean, she lacks speaking practice and grammar skills. Shy and anxious about making mistakes, she's frustrated with existing language apps' limitations. With a trip deadline looming, Kaia seeks help to improve her speaking fluency and gain confidence in conversation topics, motivated by personal interest and a desire for better travel experiences with her family.
Affinity Map
Key Findings:
Users spent little to no time studying. Half of the participants who were forced to study a language they were not interested also didn’t put in a lot of time to study.
Users definition of success is able to converse with another. Overall, the end goal users had in mind when studying another language is to be able to converse with another.
Users found learning vocabulary was the easier task when learning a new language. Overall receptiveness and use of flashcards were most successful to people memorizing new vocabulary.
Users wanted to learn at their own pace and own time. Short fun bit sized lessons will get the person to stay on track and be consistent studying everyday rather than long sessions.
Research Synopsis:
My findings consistently showed that language learning apps lack sufficient speech practice opportunities. Despite offering various learning materials and interactive features, learners often struggle to develop fluency and confidence in verbal communication. It was clear that the direction I needed to go in prioritized integrating speech practice features effectively to better support learners in achieving their language goals.
Prioritizing Feature Set
Through affinity mapping, I took the insights from user interviews and sorted them out. This helped me spot the bigger pain points and needs that kept coming up. These insights were the blueprint for what I was about to design and build.
Sightmap
User Flows
Sketches & Low-Fi Wireframes
Mid-Fidelity Wireframes
Onboarding Flow
Finding A Friend (Using Filter) Flow
Booking A Session Flow
Branding & UI Components
Fluoro embodies the illuminating journey of language mastery, where learners flourish and connect in a vibrant community.
Green represents growth and harmony within our inclusive environment, while pink signifies our creative approach to language learning and the wisdom gained through fluency. Orange reflects the energy and enthusiasm of our dynamic learning activities, while red symbolizes the passion and excitement of learners discovering new cultures. Navy blue underscores our commitment to trust, stability, and professionalism, ensuring a reliable and supportive experience for all who embark on their language learning adventure with Fluoro.
Priority Iterations
The main feedback from user testing was that "booking" should have its own tab instead of being buried within "connect."
Revisions:
Typography
Additional colors
Styling of cards
Revisions:
Simplifying user profile cards
Restructure of filter and search bar
Revisions:
“Book” is its own page
Restructure of filter and search bar
Reflection & Conclusion
Reflection
The objective of developing an end-to-end mobile application was successfully achieved, and I am exceptionally satisfied with the outcome of the solution and design. A notable aspect of this journey was the insights gained from user interviews, which significantly influenced the trajectory of the project. It was surprising to uncover during these interviews that the predominant issue revolved around communication barriers. This revelation prompted a decisive shift in focus towards addressing this pressing concern directly through the application being developed. Witnessing the tangible impact of this pivot underscores the importance of user-centric design and the value of adapting to real user needs.
Next Steps
Test my revisions.
Add vocabulary and grammar lessons.