l'acquis app (Core functionality)
l'acquis app (Core functionality)
Industry: EdTech, Language Learning
Timeline: December 2023 - February 2024
Based on comprehensive UX research, we identified a need to shift our strategy to better cater to intermediate and advanced French learners. Initially, the app aimed to serve a broad audience, but insights from our research highlighted the unique needs and higher expectations of more advanced users. Consequently, we decided to focus our efforts on this specific group, extending the app's functionality to better meet their learning goals. This case study covers the core functionalities we developed, namely the user's word lists and conjugation interactive exercises.
Create an engaging, user-friendly learning experience for Word Lists and Conjugation tool, tailored for business professionals, passionate travelers, and social language enthusiasts.
As Product designer, I was responsible for the entire design process, from initial ideation to the final delivery of the designs. This included creating screen designs, developing user flows, and ensuring that all design decisions were backed by our research findings. My tasks also involved creating mockups and prototypes, conducting usability testing, and iterating on the designs based on user feedback.
Discovery
Our primary source of insights came from the comprehensive UX research we conducted before. In addition I analyzed the solutions provided by the competitors to get some insights.
Ideation
We brainstormed with stakeholders and our team, prioritizing features like robust word lists and interactive conjugation exercises.
Design
We skipped wireframes and developed high-fidelity prototypes to create realistic designs quickly. The focus was on intuitive user flows, clarity, and engaging interactive elements.
Testing
Conducted usability testing using remote tests, A/B tests, and observations. We built 5 prototypes and gathered feedback from 25 learners to refine our designs.
Reiteration
Iterated on designs based on user feedback, addressing issues and enhancing the experience, then validated the changes through further testing.
Delivery
Prepared detailed design specs and collaborated with developers for accurate implementation, resulting in a polished, user-centric French learning app for advanced learners.
During the ideation phase, we conducted brainstorming sessions and workshops with key stakeholders and our team to generate ideas for enhancing the app's functionality. Leveraging our UX research insights, we prioritized features that would provide the most value to intermediate and advanced learners. Key concepts included a robust word list management system and interactive conjugation exercises that adapt to the user's proficiency level.
In the design phase, I created detailed user flows to map out the user's journey through the app, ensuring each interaction was intuitive and seamless. Skipping wireframes, we developed high-fidelity mockups and prototypes for the core functionalities. This approach allowed us to create more realistic prototypes quickly, which better immersed respondents during the testing phase. The designs emphasized clarity and ease of use, with a particular focus on the conjugation exercises featuring interactive elements to engage users and enhance their learning experience.
The onboarding process consists of four screens that highlight the key features of the app. Users are introduced to the app's functionalities, such as personalized learning paths, interactive exercises, and progress tracking. There is also an option to skip the onboarding for users who prefer to dive straight into the app.
The Log in and Sign up process supports seamless registration through Apple ID, Google ID, or by creating an account with an email. This provides users with flexible options to easily access the app, ensuring a smooth and quick start to their learning journey.
Users have access to pre-made word lists organized by different themes and language levels. They can also create their own lists by selecting words from a comprehensive database and adding photos to personalize their lists. Within both the list sections and individual lists, users can swipe to add words to other lists, remove words, or edit the lists. This swipe-to-action feature makes managing vocabulary intuitive and efficient.
The conjugation tool is designed to cover all verb grammar tenses. It offers training sequences of 10 verbs, where users write the correct form of the verb. This tool includes features such as the ability to stop training at any time, progress tracking to monitor learning, and a hint system to assist users who may find certain conjugations challenging. The tool provides a comprehensive and user-friendly approach to mastering French verb conjugations.
5 Prototypes
25 Respondents
To validate our designs, we conducted several rounds of usability testing using various methods, including remote usability tests, A/B tests, and observations. We built a total of 5 prototypes and gathered feedback from 15 intermediate and advanced French learners. During these sessions, we observed user interactions, identified pain points, and collected suggestions for improvement. This feedback was invaluable in refining our designs.
Based on the insights gathered from usability testing, we iterated on the designs to address any issues and enhance the user experience. This involved tweaking the user flows, adjusting visual elements, and improving the functionality of the word lists and conjugation exercises. We validated these iterations again through user feedback, ensuring that the changes effectively resolved the identified issues and met users' expectations.
During usability tests, some respondents mentioned that they might drop the app if they couldn't see its functionality before creating an account. We discussed this feedback with the team and conducted a small research study to explore the impact. Based on our findings, we decided to modify the user flows to allow usage of the app with some limitations without requiring account creation. This approach is designed to motivate users to try the app first, increasing the likelihood of full registration.
Before:
Users had to create an account before accessing any of the app's features.
Change:
Modified the user flows to allow limited usage of the app without creating an account.
Benefit:
This change provides potential users with a preview of the app's functionalities, encouraging them to register after experiencing its value, thereby reducing drop-off rates.
Before:
Users lacked immediate feedback on answer correctness.
Change:
Added green (correct), orange (partially correct), and red (incorrect) color indicators to answer choices.
Benefit:
Provides instant, clear feedback to reinforce learning and highlight areas for improvement.
Before:
Unclear distinction between pre-made and user-created wordlists.
Change:
Implemented different colors for pre-made and user-created wordlist sections.
Benefit:
Improves visual clarity and helps users quickly identify the type of wordlist they are working with.
After finalizing the designs, I prepared detailed design specifications and documentation for the development team. This included annotated wireframes, interaction guidelines, and visual assets. Collaborating closely with developers, we ensured that the implementation of the designs was accurate and maintained the intended user experience. The final product was a polished, user-centric French learning app that effectively supports intermediate and advanced learners in achieving their language goals.
Development Milestones: The development of l'acquis has progressed steadily, with key milestones met as planned.
Effective Team Collaboration: Collaboration among team members has been seamless. Regular communication and alignment with stakeholder goals have facilitated a cohesive development process.
Strategic Development Decisions: Throughout the project, strategic decisions regarding feature prioritization and user experience enhancements have been made collaboratively.
Personal and Professional Growth: The project has provided valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth for each team member.