UX/Product Design
·
Concluded
Ended
April 2023
Speculatively Futurising Duolingo's Education Model
Evolving Atomic Design Systems
User Research with Lost Users
Multiplatform Accessbility
UX/Product Design
·
Uploaded
April 2023
Speculatively Futurising Duolingo's Education Model
Evolving Atomic Design Systems
User Research with Lost Users
Multiplatform Accessbility
Introduction
Duolingo retains 55% of users. How could that number be higher?
about
Since I'm passionate about learning, Duolingo is one of my favourite products. It's also one of the greatest demonstrators of how to gamify education.
Duolingo's user retention rate - 45% as of 2021 - is ever improving, but I wanted to uncover, and address, the concerns of the remaining disengaged users.
Timeline
8 Weeks · Jan to Mar 2023
Client
Self-initiated
Team
Solo Project
with Credit to
the Duolingo Product Team
About
Since I'm passionate about learning, Duolingo is one of my favourite products. It's also one of the greatest demonstrators of how to gamify education.
Duolingo's user retention rate - 45% as of 2021 - is ever improving, but I wanted to uncover, and address, the concerns of the remaining disengaged users.
Timeline
8 Weeks · Jan to Mar 2023
Client
Self-initiated
Team
Solo Project
with Credit to
the Duolingo Product Team
about
Since I'm passionate about learning, Duolingo is one of my favourite products. It's also one of the greatest demonstrators of how to gamify education.
Duolingo's user retention rate - 45% as of 2021 - is ever improving, but I wanted to uncover, and address, the concerns of the remaining disengaged users.
Timeline
8 Weeks · Jan to Mar 2023
Client
Self-initiated
Team
Solo Project
with Credit to
the Duolingo Product Team
About
Since I'm passionate about learning, Duolingo is one of my favourite products. It's also one of the greatest demonstrators of how to gamify education.
Duolingo's user retention rate - 45% as of 2021 - is ever improving, but I wanted to uncover, and address, the concerns of the remaining disengaged users.
Timeline
8 Weeks · Jan to Mar 2023
Client
Self-initiated
Team
Solo Project
with Credit to
the Duolingo Product Team
Research
To find how, I asked inactive users how they felt their needs weren't met.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Onboarding Review
Taking the standpoint of a new user, the experience was seamless and my fluency was clearly being considered.
Identifying User Drop-Offs
To identify the drop-off hotspot, I tasked 5 acquaintances of mine to trial Duolingo. 3/5 users dropped off after returning to the homepage post-exercise, and 2/5 dropped off after depleting their hearts.
Interviewing Disengaged Users
I engaged in conversation with ex-users in online language-learning communities. I had 41 respondents to round 1, who interacted via commenting and messaging.
Ex-User Questionnaire
I had 18 respondents to round 2, which was a follow-up questionnaire consisting of questions informed by what was found in round 1.
Findings
From contacting Duolingo's ex-users and users of competitors, I found 6 key points.
Defining & Ideating
I discovered that inactive users value 'natural' language immersion.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Finding Themes
I found 3 overarching themes from the research stage - a) User intentions do not align with the product goal of alternatives, b) a holistic teaching experience fosters user motivation, & c) ex-users consumed books & movies after Duolingo.
Asking 'Why?'
I considered the reason behind the themes - a) Digital alternatives lead to a negative culture, b) users must feel their fluency needs are being addressed, & c) users turned to traditional media when unable to identify a suitable alternative.
Deriving Solutions
To solve to these issues, I followed with a lateral brainstorming session and divergent idea-warping to arrive at 3 research-based solutions.
Prototyping & Testing
To provide the sense of language immersion, I adapted Duolingo's edu-frameworks around existing immersive resources.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
Information Architecture
I determined the context of the additions and how they would work to fit them into Duolingo's existing architecture.
Wireframing
I took to pen and paper to sketch the new screen layouts, and to determine how to redesign Duolingo as a user-friendly TV App.
Atomic Design System
By studying Duolingo's product and their brand guidelines, I re-developed their atomic design system to ensure a high level of brand consistency.
Wireframe Validation
I returned to two of my original participants, and gave action prompts while they trialled the prototype.
Addressing Pains
the feedback suggested that the screens lacked signposting, fluency points appeared 'inconsequential', input for the TV App was unclear, and the UI suffered from visual inconsistencies. These were all addressed before the final prototype.
The Duolingo Streaming TV App
A brand-new TV App applies Duolingo's educational frameworks to media subtitles to provide realistic language exchanges.
Duolingo's Ed-Frameworks + Conversation Subtitles
With Duo Learning enabled, the user will be periodically assessed on their knowledge of the speech content.
Inclusive Accessibility for Low-Vision Users
I implemented a TV remote functionality into the Duolingo mobile app. This allows for a more user-friendly and accessible experience for low-vision users.
Communicate with Others in Multiplayer Minigames
I provided users with mini-games which allow for anonymous, inter-personal communication. The games use frameworks that are adaptable to the user’s progress in Duolingo’s education structure.
'Fluency Points'?
Fluency points are a new user success value which can be earned through the new immersion additions. They conjoin with XP in the user profiles and leagues as ‘Points’, ensuring incentivise towards the new additions.
The Impact
Iterative testing indicated a 44% increase in user retention.
Feedback
I returned to the 5 test participants, and 80% said these features are likely to encourage their return to Duolingo.
Being ahead of the curve...
Duolingo MAX was unveiled soon after this project ended, using conversational AI to emulate language immersion and inter-personal exchanges, while also triggering the basis of my 2024 MSc dissertation project.
What's next?
I'd love to continue with similar ed-tech projects, but with a focus on logistical, financial and technical feasibility.
