Lingualy

Language App

ROLE

Research, Ideation, Visuals, Prototyping, design thinking

TIMELINE

3 months

This was a speculative project.

Problem

Learning new language is really fun but it comes with many challenges. Majority of Language learning apps focus on memorizing words which is very difficult and boring. It is also difficult to find a native speaker to learn from.

Solution

Learning language should focus on acquiring the language rather than memorizing it. Methods like TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) and comprehensive input are really helpful in acquiring the language. Learning with native speaker is one of the best to learn language and also culture.

Research

SECONDARY RESEARCH

Traditional Language teaching focuses on memorizing. Ideally, for effective language learning to occur, a stimulating and rich linguistic environment is required. Thus, children need to be given many opportunities to be actively engaged and interact with others. This can be quite a challenge in the foreign language classroom, as typically children learning in this context have little exposure to the language outside of the classroom.

language acquisition methods like comprehensive input and Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling are really helpful for students.

Comprehensible input is language input that can be understood by listeners despite them not understanding all the words and structures in it. It is described as one level above that of the learners if it can only just be understood. According to Krashen's theory of language acquisition, giving learners this kind of input helps them acquire language naturally, rather than learn it consciously.

TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) is an input-based approach to teaching language that focuses on the systematic instruction of vocabulary in a highly comprehensible, personalized and contextualized manner. Its framework and philosophy are based not only on classroom-proven strategies, but more importantly, on research in second language acquisition.

Around

44.8%

People prefer speaking with native speakers

SURVEY

I surveyed 64 people. Participants were asked where they learn languages. 48.3 % of people learn from language apps. 6.9% of people learn from native speakers. 3.4 % learn from online tutor. Additionally they were also asked what is their preferred way of learning. 32.8% prefer learning with songs and movies. 45.2% preferred speaking with native speakers.

INTERVIEW

I interviewed 8 people from Czech republic, Indonesia, Italy, Croatia, Algeria, Canada and Bangladesh. The following are the major problems which was identified.

They weren't able talk to a native speaker
Lessons were too specific and cannot be used in normal conversation
Pronunciation review was needed
Words are difficult to memorize

Personas

BIO

Katie is learning English. She is a student. Her native language is Czech. She is learning English because it is part of her school curriculum.

AGE

MOTIVATIONS

The requirement from the school
To be able to talk to other speakers
good for getting a job

FRUSTRATIONS

Finding native speakers to practice with is difficult
Finding resources is difficult

GOALS

Learn English
Speak English in native accent

HOBBIES

Cooking
Exercising

FRUSTRATIONS

Difficult to memorize
Difficult to manage time with tutor
Difficult to find people to practice with

BIO

Mike is a student. He is from canada. He is learning French, Japanese and german. He is passionate about learning languages.

AGE

MOTIVATIONS

The requirement from the school
Want to move to germany
good for getting a job
Likes studying languages

GOALS

Learn languages easily
Speak language fluently with native speakers

HOBBIES

Walking
Working out

Competitor Analysis

Dualingo

Basuu

Slidebox

STRENGTHS

Easy to use
Fun and short exercises
Can be used anywhere anytime
Free

WEAKNESS

Difficult to memorize
Notifications are frustrating
Exercises can get boring and monotonous

STRENGTHS

Placement test to understand the level
Community of people with whom users can connect
Ask for feedback in the community
Flash card learning
Correction exercise to help others
Vocabulary list containing words we know and which is weak ones

WEAKNESS

Difficult to memorize
Exercises can get boring and monotonous

STRENGTHS

Chat exercises
Gamified lessons
Correcting mistakes
Live Lessons with teachers
List of vocabulary to refer to
Audio lessons
Games based learning
Course based learning
Live sessions based on topic

WEAKNESS

Difficult to memorize
Overwhelming exercises
Difficult to choose

Most of the competitors rely on memorization to learn a language. Memorizing is difficult and doesn’t help the user use the word naturally. It is difficult to check if our pronunciation is right or wrong.

Ideation

Learning an language requires consistency and dedication. Learning methods which focuses on memorizing is boring and can be demotivating in long run. Thee is an need to create engaging language atmosphere for the learners.

Users can learn through short stories which will also entertain them. Interaction with native is also required to find confidence in speaking and also learn the accent. Incorporating these ideas will create an immersive experience for the users.

Information Architecture

Style guide

Low fidelity wireframes

Hi Fidelity

OVERVIEW

This app helps users learn a new language using TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling).

SIGNUP

Users can sign up using Facebook or google accounts.

HOME

Home screen contains lessons and weekly homework. Lessons are based on short stories followed by questions to recall the words. They are structured based on A1- C1 learning systems.

LESSONS

These lesson consist of stories with text and visuals. Stories are then followed by questions.

QUESTIONS

These questions are based on the story. Similar common words are also included in this questions.

HOMEWORK

Homework are reviewed by a teacher if the user is subscribed to a premium plan. Homework usually consist of a some write up or a listening task.

CHAT

Users can chat with teachers and other native speakers. They practice with native speakers.

FRIENDS

Users can connect with native speakers. Native speaker who are learning the same language as the one the user is learning show up on the top. The intention to connect people who can teach each other the language they are learning.