Local Natives,
Language Learning App Case Study
UI | UX
Project Duration: 2 weeks
@ General Assembly User Experience Design Immersive
Embedded Files
Project Overview
This app is created for Language Learners. I spoke to learners what were their pain points and frustrations while learning a language as an adult. Through user interviews, I found out that they want to speak to natives. They find that speaking to natives help them improve their learning process quicker as they are able to check in with the locals. The goal of this app is to help language learners increase their proficiency level.
Role
UX Researcher, UX Designer
Understanding the user
To understand users' past experiences, motivations and current habits, I conducted user interviews. The recruited users are all current language learners who are learning a new language as an adult.
User Research Key Insights
They want to speak to native speakers
Through speaking with locals, even though they may look "stupid" while making mistakes, they find that it is crucial to the learning. Through conversations, they will get feedback directly and learn to correct their mistakes instantly.
They find that learning languages through apps has it's limitations
Most of the interviewees used DuoLingo at some point of their journey. Even though, it is a great introduction to the language, they find that it is not enough to master it. They have said that learning apps has it's limitations.
They want to immerse themselves in the environment
The users mentioned that integration in the environment has helped them with their language skills tremendously. They pick it up much quicker as they have no choice but to speak it.
They are learning the language to get to know the culture better
Their interest in cultures is their main motivation in learning the language. Being able to connect to different nationalities is what attracts them to keep learning. This will also allow them to connect to locals on a personal level and also get insights to the culture.
Defining the Problem
Through the research findings, I have identified that being able to connect to the locals is the main pain point for language learners. This helped to narrow down the main problem statement
Problem Statement
Language learners needs an opportunity to communicate to native speakers so that they can speak the language when they are in the environment/scenario.
User Persona
Based on the research, I identified the key user for the product to solve the problem for.
Amy is a Proactive Learner that is learning multiple languages. Her interest in many cultures motivates her to pick up different languages. As a language learner, Amy is constantly on a lookout for the opportunity to connect to local natives.
Amy enjoys the challenges that comes with it because it is a good activity for the brain. She learns her languages through more than 1 method. However, she thinks the best way to learn the language is to be in the environment where she is able to talk to native speakers.
Solutioning
With a clear understanding of the user needs, I then ideated the solution for language learners. But how might we help them find like-minded individuals to connect with? How might we increase the opportunity for the language learners to converse with locals?
Connecting learners with the same mindset
A key insight to the research is that language learners want to speak to natives speakers. Leveraging on this insight, I created an app whereby language learners can come on an app to connect to locals and learn directly from them. Everyone on the app would be learners and would be able to practice and learn from each other.
Imagine going on the app and connecting to a Korean native. You would be able to message, add them as a friend and eventually call them when you friend request is accepted.
I created a little storyboard of how this app would help Amy and it shows her journey from before and after using the app
For the user flows for the app, there were some considerations that was taken in place. When signing up for the app, new users would have to take a mini Q&A. With the questionnaire, it will register what is the user's native language, the language that they are currently learning as well as their proficiency level.
When you are a new user, you do not have friends therefore you won’t be able to call them. For security reasons, you have to message the users to build trust before making phone calls.
The following user flows is when you have friends added. This is where you will be able to call them and start having real life conversations. This is an important step because based my research, language learners wants to listen and practice their intonations.
With the user flows in place, I then started sketching how I envisioned the app to be like.
Prototype Version 01
After sketching out the wireframes, I jumped straight to prototyping it in high fidelity. With that Local Natives is born! I wanted the app to be bright and approachable. Therefore, I chose a shocking blue shade to both have the intention of being friendly as well as being nuturing at the same time.
New user
New user
As explained above in the user flow, you would need to set up an account as a new user. A mini questionnaire is asked in the beginning. With a new profile, no friends are made yet. In the homepage, Local Natives will recommend you users according to your profiency level. You then will select the user and message them to start the ball rolling.
Profile already set up
Profile already set up
After a couple of days of usage, you might have added a friend! This is where you will then be able to call them and converse. Your new native friend will be able to correct your pronunciation and share their experiences and culture with you too!
Design Iterations
Usability testing and reiterating
When the users tested the prototype, there were some visibility issues that needs to be corrected. The app was then reiterated based on users feedback
Thoughts and Reflection
Future Plans
One of the user insight is that the users want to learn the language to get to know the culture better. I came up with another problem statement for the app.
"Language learners need a way to communicate to native speakers so that they can immerse themselves within the culture."
How might we introduce cultures to other users?
In Phase 2 of Local Natives, users will be able to upload images or short videos onto their feed. By doing this, users will be able to learn from each other’s culture. They will be able to get insights through the eyes of a native and exchange comments to be more social.
Reflection
During this 2 week design sprint, it gave me an insight of what it is to be a UX Designer. The process of interviewing, synthesising, ideating and prototype was a long but quick journey. What I could have done better is to clearly think through my screens and not jump straight into high fidelity for testing.
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