VocabFoundry (VF) is my first UX design project I created as a part of the UX Design course with CareerFoundry. I followed the Design Thinking Process steps in order to understand users, ideate and craft a low-fidelity prototype of VF, test it with potential users, and improve the initial design. Through this project, I gained valuable insights in implementing a user-centric design approach.
It can be challenging for us to keep track of all the jargon when working or studying in a foreign-language speaking setting. This project aims to design a mobile application focused on empowering people to learn new vocabulary. It is meant to be used on-the-go for quick 5 to 10-minute study sessions to best fit in people’s busy schedules. They could learn new words on a bus or train, while waiting between classes, or during a lunch break, etc.
To kick off, I explored four vocab learning apps to analyze what is currently available and in-demand on the market.
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I liked the variety of learning approaches available, including Flashcards, Learn, Test, and Match, which can be tailored to suit users' preferences. However, there are some navigation and functionality issues that could be improved. For instance, creating a vocabulary set from the library requires going back and forth to the search screen. It would be beneficial and encouraging to have a progress screen to track achievements.
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This app is so intuitive and compelling that I forgot I was working on my UX project; in other words, I felt deeply engaged and interested in practicing. The images and gifs reflect the meanings in a memorable and fun way. They've put in a lot of effort to collect examples, quotes, and videos that have a great impact on incorporating new vocabs. The AI chat feature is another great approach to practice.
To better understand user needs, paint points, and behaviors, I conducted user interviews with a couple of people in the age range of 25-45 from different ethnicity, education background and occupations. I asked some open-ended questions and jotted down their statements. Later, I converted those notes into three categories, i.e. ‘Doing’, ‘Thinking’ and ‘Feeling’ statements.
Alex needs a way to find time to improve his English language skills because he has a busy schedule and would like to keep a balanced work-life style.
We will know this to be true when we see he is able to retain new vocabs and enhance his communication in a professional settings.
I sketched in the structure of VocabFoundry app based on insights from the previous stages, then conducted a closed card sort to determine the features sitemap via Optimal Workshop platform and distributed them among participants. I synthesized this data with user stories in order to create task flows that Alex would like to complete using VF app.
Based on the user flows and their required features, I started sketching user flows and later turned them into wireframes using Figma.
Keeping in mind Alex’s pain points and behaviors while sketching, I:
- Designed Navigation bar to have necessary keys to access pages user visits more frequently.
- Implemented universal icons and features for a more user-friendly, memorable interface.
- Embedded the translation to multiple languages including the user native language feature in the learn page.
- Included different approaches for saving vocabs in order to practice them later, either randomly, via search engine or creating own flashcards.
Usability TestI conducted usability testing with a couple of participants and I observed them while completing the tasks in order to identify user pain points, issues or errors.
I revised the prototype based on the major issue, and errors with high severity the test participants faced. This includes modifying 'Learn' and 'Quiz' icon to represent them in a more comprehensive way.
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