Lang Social
Why memorise when you can live the language?
Overview
Lang Social is a mobile language-learning app that reimagines fluency acquisition by blending immersive content, gamified learning, and social interaction. Unlike traditional apps reliant on drills and flashcards, Lang Social uses real-world content—like books, songs, and shows—and peer collaboration to create spontaneous, progress-based learning pathways.
Social App
My Role
Sole Designer
Year
2024
Tools
Figma, Procreate
The Challenge
This is the Challenge Statement
Here is more details about the challenge for your reference. I am now talking so much more about it as you can read All the work I’ve done so Far has lead up to this explanation of the challenge. As you keep reading I will go through the process.
The Solution
This is the Solution Statement
Here is more details about the challenge for your reference. I am now talking so much more about it as you can read All the work I’ve done so Far has lead up to this explanation of the challenge. As you keep reading I will go through the process.
Feature 1
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
Feature 2
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
Feature 3
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
The Obstacle
Fixing the Fluency Gap
How can we build a language learning app that feels like cultural immersion instead of test prep?
Language apps often fail to replicate real-world immersion. Many learners feel disconnected from the material and lack the autonomy to shape their learning journey. Lang Social seeks to address that by letting users learn through content they love and interactions that mimic natural conversation.
The Path Forward
Learn By Living It
Design a learning experience that feels like digital immersion—where reading, listening, and social sharing happen in the language you're trying to learn.
Lang Social uses native-level content, social features, AI-based content tracking, and gamified groups to provide meaningful repetition, interaction, and reinforcement. Whether you're discovering a book, joining a voice chat, or completing a group challenge, you're always learning by doing.
Content First Learning
Choose your content; books, shows, or songs and unlock new vocabulary and grammar in context.
Gamified Group Challenges
Join a group and complete themed missions through listening, speaking, and social posting.
Voice-Based Practice
Converse with peers in voice-only threads and practice pronunciation without pressure.
The Obstacle
Fixing the Fluency Gap
How can we build a language learning app that feels like cultural immersion instead of test prep?
Language apps often fail to replicate real-world immersion. Many learners feel disconnected from the material and lack the autonomy to shape their learning journey. Lang Social seeks to address that by letting users learn through content they love and interactions that mimic natural conversation.
The Path Forward
Learn By Living It
Design a learning experience that feels like digital immersion—where reading, listening, and social sharing happen in the language you're trying to learn.
Lang Social uses native-level content, social features, AI-based content tracking, and gamified groups to provide meaningful repetition, interaction, and reinforcement. Whether you're discovering a book, joining a voice chat, or completing a group challenge, you're always learning by doing.
Content First Learning
Choose your content; books, shows, or songs and unlock new vocabulary and grammar in context.
Gamified Group Challenges
Join a group and complete themed missions through listening, speaking, and social posting.
Voice-Based Practice
Converse with peers in voice-only threads and practice pronunciation without pressure.
The Obstacle
Fixing the Fluency Gap
How can we build a language learning app that feels like cultural immersion instead of test prep?
Language apps often fail to replicate real-world immersion. Many learners feel disconnected from the material and lack the autonomy to shape their learning journey. Lang Social seeks to address that by letting users learn through content they love and interactions that mimic natural conversation.
The Path Forward
Learn By Living It
Design a learning experience that feels like digital immersion—where reading, listening, and social sharing happen in the language you're trying to learn.
Lang Social uses native-level content, social features, AI-based content tracking, and gamified groups to provide meaningful repetition, interaction, and reinforcement. Whether you're discovering a book, joining a voice chat, or completing a group challenge, you're always learning by doing.
Content First Learning
Choose your content; books, shows, or songs and unlock new vocabulary and grammar in context.
Gamified Group Challenges
Join a group and complete themed missions through listening, speaking, and social posting.
Voice-Based Practice
Converse with peers in voice-only threads and practice pronunciation without pressure.
The Obstacle
Fixing the Fluency Gap
How can we build a language learning app that feels like cultural immersion instead of test prep?
Language apps often fail to replicate real-world immersion. Many learners feel disconnected from the material and lack the autonomy to shape their learning journey. Lang Social seeks to address that by letting users learn through content they love and interactions that mimic natural conversation.
The Path Forward
Learn By Living It
Design a learning experience that feels like digital immersion—where reading, listening, and social sharing happen in the language you're trying to learn.
Lang Social uses native-level content, social features, AI-based content tracking, and gamified groups to provide meaningful repetition, interaction, and reinforcement. Whether you're discovering a book, joining a voice chat, or completing a group challenge, you're always learning by doing.
Content First Learning
Choose your content; books, shows, or songs and unlock new vocabulary and grammar in context.
Gamified Group Challenges
Join a group and complete themed missions through listening, speaking, and social posting.
Voice-Based Practice
Converse with peers in voice-only threads and practice pronunciation without pressure.
The Challenge
This is the Challenge Statement
Here is more details about the challenge for your reference. I am now talking so much more about it as you can read All the work I’ve done so Far has lead up to this explanation of the challenge. As you keep reading I will go through the process.
The Solution
This is the Solution Statement
Here is more details about the challenge for your reference. I am now talking so much more about it as you can read All the work I’ve done so Far has lead up to this explanation of the challenge. As you keep reading I will go through the process.
Feature 1
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
Feature 2
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
Feature 3
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
The Obstacle
Fixing the Fluency Gap
How can we build a language learning app that feels like cultural immersion instead of test prep?
Language apps often fail to replicate real-world immersion. Many learners feel disconnected from the material and lack the autonomy to shape their learning journey. Lang Social seeks to address that by letting users learn through content they love and interactions that mimic natural conversation.
The Path Forward
Learn By Living It
Design a learning experience that feels like digital immersion—where reading, listening, and social sharing happen in the language you're trying to learn.
Lang Social uses native-level content, social features, AI-based content tracking, and gamified groups to provide meaningful repetition, interaction, and reinforcement. Whether you're discovering a book, joining a voice chat, or completing a group challenge, you're always learning by doing.
Content First Learning
Choose your content; books, shows, or songs and unlock new vocabulary and grammar in context.
Gamified Group Challenges
Join a group and complete themed missions through listening, speaking, and social posting.
Voice-Based Practice
Converse with peers in voice-only threads and practice pronunciation without pressure.
The Challenge
This is the Challenge Statement
Here is more details about the challenge for your reference. I am now talking so much more about it as you can read All the work I’ve done so Far has lead up to this explanation of the challenge. As you keep reading I will go through the process.
The Solution
This is the Solution Statement
Here is more details about the challenge for your reference. I am now talking so much more about it as you can read All the work I’ve done so Far has lead up to this explanation of the challenge. As you keep reading I will go through the process.
Feature 1
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
Feature 2
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
Feature 3
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
The Obstacle
Fixing the Fluency Gap
How can we build a language learning app that feels like cultural immersion instead of test prep?
Language apps often fail to replicate real-world immersion. Many learners feel disconnected from the material and lack the autonomy to shape their learning journey. Lang Social seeks to address that by letting users learn through content they love and interactions that mimic natural conversation.
The Path Forward
Learn By Living It
Design a learning experience that feels like digital immersion—where reading, listening, and social sharing happen in the language you're trying to learn.
Lang Social uses native-level content, social features, AI-based content tracking, and gamified groups to provide meaningful repetition, interaction, and reinforcement. Whether you're discovering a book, joining a voice chat, or completing a group challenge, you're always learning by doing.
Content First Learning
Choose your content; books, shows, or songs and unlock new vocabulary and grammar in context.
Gamified Group Challenges
Join a group and complete themed missions through listening, speaking, and social posting.
Voice-Based Practice
Converse with peers in voice-only threads and practice pronunciation without pressure.
The Challenge
This is the Challenge Statement
Here is more details about the challenge for your reference. I am now talking so much more about it as you can read All the work I’ve done so Far has lead up to this explanation of the challenge. As you keep reading I will go through the process.
The Solution
This is the Solution Statement
Here is more details about the challenge for your reference. I am now talking so much more about it as you can read All the work I’ve done so Far has lead up to this explanation of the challenge. As you keep reading I will go through the process.
Feature 1
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
Feature 2
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
Feature 3
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
The Obstacle
Fixing the Fluency Gap
How can we build a language learning app that feels like cultural immersion instead of test prep?
Language apps often fail to replicate real-world immersion. Many learners feel disconnected from the material and lack the autonomy to shape their learning journey. Lang Social seeks to address that by letting users learn through content they love and interactions that mimic natural conversation.
The Path Forward
Learn By Living It
Design a learning experience that feels like digital immersion—where reading, listening, and social sharing happen in the language you're trying to learn.
Lang Social uses native-level content, social features, AI-based content tracking, and gamified groups to provide meaningful repetition, interaction, and reinforcement. Whether you're discovering a book, joining a voice chat, or completing a group challenge, you're always learning by doing.
Content First Learning
Choose your content; books, shows, or songs and unlock new vocabulary and grammar in context.
Gamified Group Challenges
Join a group and complete themed missions through listening, speaking, and social posting.
Voice-Based Practice
Converse with peers in voice-only threads and practice pronunciation without pressure.
The Challenge
This is the Challenge Statement
Here is more details about the challenge for your reference. I am now talking so much more about it as you can read All the work I’ve done so Far has lead up to this explanation of the challenge. As you keep reading I will go through the process.
The Solution
This is the Solution Statement
Here is more details about the challenge for your reference. I am now talking so much more about it as you can read All the work I’ve done so Far has lead up to this explanation of the challenge. As you keep reading I will go through the process.
Feature 1
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
Feature 2
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
Feature 3
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
The Obstacle
Fixing the Fluency Gap
How can we build a language learning app that feels like cultural immersion instead of test prep?
Language apps often fail to replicate real-world immersion. Many learners feel disconnected from the material and lack the autonomy to shape their learning journey. Lang Social seeks to address that by letting users learn through content they love and interactions that mimic natural conversation.
The Path Forward
Learn By Living It
Design a learning experience that feels like digital immersion—where reading, listening, and social sharing happen in the language you're trying to learn.
Lang Social uses native-level content, social features, AI-based content tracking, and gamified groups to provide meaningful repetition, interaction, and reinforcement. Whether you're discovering a book, joining a voice chat, or completing a group challenge, you're always learning by doing.
Content First Learning
Choose your content; books, shows, or songs and unlock new vocabulary and grammar in context.
Gamified Group Challenges
Join a group and complete themed missions through listening, speaking, and social posting.
Voice-Based Practice
Converse with peers in voice-only threads and practice pronunciation without pressure.
The Challenge
This is the Challenge Statement
Here is more details about the challenge for your reference. I am now talking so much more about it as you can read All the work I’ve done so Far has lead up to this explanation of the challenge. As you keep reading I will go through the process.
The Solution
This is the Solution Statement
Here is more details about the challenge for your reference. I am now talking so much more about it as you can read All the work I’ve done so Far has lead up to this explanation of the challenge. As you keep reading I will go through the process.
Feature 1
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
Feature 2
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
Feature 3
This is a description of this feature I’m Highlighting what this feature can do so you know what the app is here for.
The Obstacle
Fixing the Fluency Gap
How can we build a language learning app that feels like cultural immersion instead of test prep?
Language apps often fail to replicate real-world immersion. Many learners feel disconnected from the material and lack the autonomy to shape their learning journey. Lang Social seeks to address that by letting users learn through content they love and interactions that mimic natural conversation.
The Path Forward
Learn By Living It
Design a learning experience that feels like digital immersion—where reading, listening, and social sharing happen in the language you're trying to learn.
Lang Social uses native-level content, social features, AI-based content tracking, and gamified groups to provide meaningful repetition, interaction, and reinforcement. Whether you're discovering a book, joining a voice chat, or completing a group challenge, you're always learning by doing.
Content First Learning
Choose your content; books, shows, or songs and unlock new vocabulary and grammar in context.
Gamified Group Challenges
Join a group and complete themed missions through listening, speaking, and social posting.
Voice-Based Practice
Converse with peers in voice-only threads and practice pronunciation without pressure.
Listening to Learners
Why do traditional language apps fail to help users feel fluent?
Progress Without Retention
From Reddit threads to app reviews to personal experience learning Cantonese, one truth was consistent: language learners feel like they're memorising without retaining. Most apps don’t allow for creative exploration, connection, or real-world spontaneity.
How can an app replicate the richness of real-life language immersion without relying on physical travel or formal education?
Secondary Research
Analysed Reddit discussions, app store reviews, and online articles. Common complaints included slow pacing, limited cultural context, and low personalisation.
These insights revealed gaps in immersion and autonomy across nearly all top-rated language learning apps.
Empathy Mapping + Personas
Created 4 distinct personas based on varying needs: cultural reconnection, exam prep, social confidence, and daily practice.
Designing for a range of user types—not just one—allowed for more universally intuitive features.
Personal Pain Point Audit
As a learner of Cantonese, I documented frustrations and dropped app usage habits to identify triggers of disengagement.
This provided firsthand validation of broader user patterns.
Listening to Learners
Why do traditional language apps fail to help users feel fluent?
Progress Without Retention
From Reddit threads to app reviews to personal experience learning Cantonese, one truth was consistent: language learners feel like they're memorising without retaining. Most apps don’t allow for creative exploration, connection, or real-world spontaneity.
How can an app replicate the richness of real-life language immersion without relying on physical travel or formal education?
Secondary Research
Analysed Reddit discussions, app store reviews, and online articles. Common complaints included slow pacing, limited cultural context, and low personalisation.
These insights revealed gaps in immersion and autonomy across nearly all top-rated language learning apps.
Empathy Mapping + Personas
Created 4 distinct personas based on varying needs: cultural reconnection, exam prep, social confidence, and daily practice.
Designing for a range of user types—not just one—allowed for more universally intuitive features.
Personal Pain Point Audit
As a learner of Cantonese, I documented frustrations and dropped app usage habits to identify triggers of disengagement.
This provided firsthand validation of broader user patterns.
Listening to Learners
Why do traditional language apps fail to help users feel fluent?
Progress Without Retention
From Reddit threads to app reviews to personal experience learning Cantonese, one truth was consistent: language learners feel like they're memorising without retaining. Most apps don’t allow for creative exploration, connection, or real-world spontaneity.
How can an app replicate the richness of real-life language immersion without relying on physical travel or formal education?
Secondary Research
Analysed Reddit discussions, app store reviews, and online articles. Common complaints included slow pacing, limited cultural context, and low personalisation.
These insights revealed gaps in immersion and autonomy across nearly all top-rated language learning apps.
Empathy Mapping + Personas
Created 4 distinct personas based on varying needs: cultural reconnection, exam prep, social confidence, and daily practice.
Designing for a range of user types—not just one—allowed for more universally intuitive features.
Personal Pain Point Audit
As a learner of Cantonese, I documented frustrations and dropped app usage habits to identify triggers of disengagement.
This provided firsthand validation of broader user patterns.
01.Research Phase Title
Research Question goes here what are you trying to uncover?
Main discovery title
This is a description of the discovery. It explains the key finding and what lead to the discovery. This should only be a few lines don’t make it too heavy and full of text you just want to matter of factly explain what it is. It is nice to describe statistics here and pair with an infographic of the stat.
Now that we’ve discovered this main thing we now have a new question that seeks to understand how users feel about this discovery.
Empathizing: Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Empathizing: Activity 2
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Empathizing: Activity 3
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Listening to Learners
Why do traditional language apps fail to help users feel fluent?
Progress Without Retention
From Reddit threads to app reviews to personal experience learning Cantonese, one truth was consistent: language learners feel like they're memorising without retaining. Most apps don’t allow for creative exploration, connection, or real-world spontaneity.
How can an app replicate the richness of real-life language immersion without relying on physical travel or formal education?
Secondary Research
Analysed Reddit discussions, app store reviews, and online articles. Common complaints included slow pacing, limited cultural context, and low personalisation.
These insights revealed gaps in immersion and autonomy across nearly all top-rated language learning apps.
Empathy Mapping + Personas
Created 4 distinct personas based on varying needs: cultural reconnection, exam prep, social confidence, and daily practice.
Designing for a range of user types—not just one—allowed for more universally intuitive features.
Personal Pain Point Audit
As a learner of Cantonese, I documented frustrations and dropped app usage habits to identify triggers of disengagement.
This provided firsthand validation of broader user patterns.
01.Research Phase Title
Research Question goes here what are you trying to uncover?
Main discovery title
This is a description of the discovery. It explains the key finding and what lead to the discovery. This should only be a few lines don’t make it too heavy and full of text you just want to matter of factly explain what it is. It is nice to describe statistics here and pair with an infographic of the stat.
Now that we’ve discovered this main thing we now have a new question that seeks to understand how users feel about this discovery.
Empathizing: Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Empathizing: Activity 2
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Empathizing: Activity 3
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Listening to Learners
Why do traditional language apps fail to help users feel fluent?
Progress Without Retention
From Reddit threads to app reviews to personal experience learning Cantonese, one truth was consistent: language learners feel like they're memorising without retaining. Most apps don’t allow for creative exploration, connection, or real-world spontaneity.
How can an app replicate the richness of real-life language immersion without relying on physical travel or formal education?
Secondary Research
Analysed Reddit discussions, app store reviews, and online articles. Common complaints included slow pacing, limited cultural context, and low personalisation.
These insights revealed gaps in immersion and autonomy across nearly all top-rated language learning apps.
Empathy Mapping + Personas
Created 4 distinct personas based on varying needs: cultural reconnection, exam prep, social confidence, and daily practice.
Designing for a range of user types—not just one—allowed for more universally intuitive features.
Personal Pain Point Audit
As a learner of Cantonese, I documented frustrations and dropped app usage habits to identify triggers of disengagement.
This provided firsthand validation of broader user patterns.
01.Research Phase Title
Research Question goes here what are you trying to uncover?
Main discovery title
This is a description of the discovery. It explains the key finding and what lead to the discovery. This should only be a few lines don’t make it too heavy and full of text you just want to matter of factly explain what it is. It is nice to describe statistics here and pair with an infographic of the stat.
Now that we’ve discovered this main thing we now have a new question that seeks to understand how users feel about this discovery.
Empathizing: Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Empathizing: Activity 2
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Empathizing: Activity 3
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Listening to Learners
Why do traditional language apps fail to help users feel fluent?
Progress Without Retention
From Reddit threads to app reviews to personal experience learning Cantonese, one truth was consistent: language learners feel like they're memorising without retaining. Most apps don’t allow for creative exploration, connection, or real-world spontaneity.
How can an app replicate the richness of real-life language immersion without relying on physical travel or formal education?
Secondary Research
Analysed Reddit discussions, app store reviews, and online articles. Common complaints included slow pacing, limited cultural context, and low personalisation.
These insights revealed gaps in immersion and autonomy across nearly all top-rated language learning apps.
Empathy Mapping + Personas
Created 4 distinct personas based on varying needs: cultural reconnection, exam prep, social confidence, and daily practice.
These prompts fuelled the later solution sketches.
Personal Pain Point Audit
Built a user flow showing the emotional arc from new user to fluent participant. Key pain points informed onboarding and reward mechanics.
Mapping frustration early helped avoid it later.
01.Research Phase Title
Research Question goes here what are you trying to uncover?
Main discovery title
This is a description of the discovery. It explains the key finding and what lead to the discovery. This should only be a few lines don’t make it too heavy and full of text you just want to matter of factly explain what it is. It is nice to describe statistics here and pair with an infographic of the stat.
Now that we’ve discovered this main thing we now have a new question that seeks to understand how users feel about this discovery.
Empathizing: Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Empathizing: Activity 2
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Empathizing: Activity 3
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Listening to Learners
Why do traditional language apps fail to help users feel fluent?
Progress Without Retention
From Reddit threads to app reviews to personal experience learning Cantonese, one truth was consistent: language learners feel like they're memorising without retaining. Most apps don’t allow for creative exploration, connection, or real-world spontaneity.
How can an app replicate the richness of real-life language immersion without relying on physical travel or formal education?
Secondary Research
Analysed Reddit discussions, app store reviews, and online articles. Common complaints included slow pacing, limited cultural context, and low personalisation.
These insights revealed gaps in immersion and autonomy across nearly all top-rated language learning apps.
Empathy Mapping + Personas
Created 4 distinct personas based on varying needs: cultural reconnection, exam prep, social confidence, and daily practice.
Designing for a range of user types—not just one—allowed for more universally intuitive features.
Personal Pain Point Audit
As a learner of Cantonese, I documented frustrations and dropped app usage habits to identify triggers of disengagement.
This provided firsthand validation of broader user patterns.
01.Research Phase Title
Research Question goes here what are you trying to uncover?
Main discovery title
This is a description of the discovery. It explains the key finding and what lead to the discovery. This should only be a few lines don’t make it too heavy and full of text you just want to matter of factly explain what it is. It is nice to describe statistics here and pair with an infographic of the stat.
Now that we’ve discovered this main thing we now have a new question that seeks to understand how users feel about this discovery.
Empathizing: Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Empathizing: Activity 2
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Empathizing: Activity 3
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Listening to Learners
Why do traditional language apps fail to help users feel fluent?
Progress Without Retention
From Reddit threads to app reviews to personal experience learning Cantonese, one truth was consistent: language learners feel like they're memorising without retaining. Most apps don’t allow for creative exploration, connection, or real-world spontaneity.
How can an app replicate the richness of real-life language immersion without relying on physical travel or formal education?
Secondary Research
Analysed Reddit discussions, app store reviews, and online articles. Common complaints included slow pacing, limited cultural context, and low personalisation.
These insights revealed gaps in immersion and autonomy across nearly all top-rated language learning apps.
Empathy Mapping + Personas
Created 4 distinct personas based on varying needs: cultural reconnection, exam prep, social confidence, and daily practice.
Designing for a range of user types—not just one—allowed for more universally intuitive features.
Personal Pain Point Audit
Built a user flow showing the emotional arc from new user to fluent participant. Key pain points informed onboarding and reward mechanics.
Mapping frustration early helped avoid it later.
01.Research Phase Title
Research Question goes here what are you trying to uncover?
Main discovery title
This is a description of the discovery. It explains the key finding and what lead to the discovery. This should only be a few lines don’t make it too heavy and full of text you just want to matter of factly explain what it is. It is nice to describe statistics here and pair with an infographic of the stat.
Now that we’ve discovered this main thing we now have a new question that seeks to understand how users feel about this discovery.
Empathizing: Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Empathizing: Activity 2
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Empathizing: Activity 3
This is a description of the first activity that was done to discover the user needs. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Listening to Learners
Why do traditional language apps fail to help users feel fluent?
Progress Without Retention
From Reddit threads to app reviews to personal experience learning Cantonese, one truth was consistent: language learners feel like they're memorising without retaining. Most apps don’t allow for creative exploration, connection, or real-world spontaneity.
How can an app replicate the richness of real-life language immersion without relying on physical travel or formal education?
Secondary Research
Analysed Reddit discussions, app store reviews, and online articles. Common complaints included slow pacing, limited cultural context, and low personalisation.
These insights revealed gaps in immersion and autonomy across nearly all top-rated language learning apps.
Empathy Mapping + Personas
Created 4 distinct personas based on varying needs: cultural reconnection, exam prep, social confidence, and daily practice.
Designing for a range of user types—not just one—allowed for more universally intuitive features.
Personal Pain Point Audit
As a learner of Cantonese, I documented frustrations and dropped app usage habits to identify triggers of disengagement.
This provided firsthand validation of broader user patterns.
02.Define Phase Title
Define phase subheading to encapsulate the meaning of the phase.
Defining : Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Defining : Activity 2
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Defining : Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
KEY INSIGHTS
How might we statement goes here.
Framing the Fluency Problem
Synthesising user patterns into actionable goals
Affinity Mapping
Grouped research data into themes: spontaneity, autonomy, emotional connection, and cultural immersion.
Helped visualise gaps in existing solutions and guided feature brainstorming.
How Might We Statements
Framed questions like “How might we make language learning feel like real conversation?” to explore broad solution paths.
These prompts fuelled the later solution sketches.
Journey Mapping
Built a user flow showing the emotional arc from new user to fluent participant. Key pain points informed onboarding and reward mechanics.
Mapping frustration early helped avoid it later.
Autonomy Is Motivation
How might we design a language app that users don’t want to log out of?
02.Define Phase Title
Define phase subheading to encapsulate the meaning of the phase.
Defining : Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Defining : Activity 2
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Defining : Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
KEY INSIGHTS
How might we statement goes here.
Framing the Fluency Problem
Synthesising user patterns into actionable goals
Affinity Mapping
Grouped research data into themes: spontaneity, autonomy, emotional connection, and cultural immersion.
Helped visualise gaps in existing solutions and guided feature brainstorming.
How Might We Statements
Framed questions like “How might we make language learning feel like real conversation?” to explore broad solution paths.
These prompts fuelled the later solution sketches.
Journey Mapping
Built a user flow showing the emotional arc from new user to fluent participant. Key pain points informed onboarding and reward mechanics.
Mapping frustration early helped avoid it later.
Autonomy Is Motivation
How might we design a language app that users don’t want to log out of?
02.Define Phase Title
Define phase subheading to encapsulate the meaning of the phase.
Defining : Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Defining : Activity 2
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Defining : Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
KEY INSIGHTS
How might we statement goes here.
Framing the Fluency Problem
Synthesising user patterns into actionable goals
Affinity Mapping
Grouped research data into themes: spontaneity, autonomy, emotional connection, and cultural immersion.
Helped visualise gaps in existing solutions and guided feature brainstorming.
How Might We Statements
Framed questions like “How might we make language learning feel like real conversation?” to explore broad solution paths.
These prompts fuelled the later solution sketches.
Journey Mapping
Built a user flow showing the emotional arc from new user to fluent participant. Key pain points informed onboarding and reward mechanics.
Mapping frustration early helped avoid it later.
Autonomy Is Motivation
How might we design a language app that users don’t want to log out of?
02.Define Phase Title
Define phase subheading to encapsulate the meaning of the phase.
Defining : Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Defining : Activity 2
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Defining : Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
KEY INSIGHTS
How might we statement goes here.
Framing the Fluency Problem
Synthesising user patterns into actionable goals
Affinity Mapping
Grouped research data into themes: spontaneity, autonomy, emotional connection, and cultural immersion.
Helped visualise gaps in existing solutions and guided feature brainstorming.
How Might We Statements
Framed questions like “How might we make language learning feel like real conversation?” to explore broad solution paths.
These prompts fuelled the later solution sketches.
Journey Mapping
Built a user flow showing the emotional arc from new user to fluent participant. Key pain points informed onboarding and reward mechanics.
Mapping frustration early helped avoid it later.
Autonomy Is Motivation
How might we design a language app that users don’t want to log out of?
02.Define Phase Title
Define phase subheading to encapsulate the meaning of the phase.
Defining : Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Defining : Activity 2
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Defining : Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
KEY INSIGHTS
How might we statement goes here.
Framing the Fluency Problem
Synthesising user patterns into actionable goals
Affinity Mapping
Grouped research data into themes: spontaneity, autonomy, emotional connection, and cultural immersion.
Helped visualise gaps in existing solutions and guided feature brainstorming.
How Might We Statements
Framed questions like “How might we make language learning feel like real conversation?” to explore broad solution paths.
These prompts fuelled the later solution sketches.
Journey Mapping
Built a user flow showing the emotional arc from new user to fluent participant. Key pain points informed onboarding and reward mechanics.
Mapping frustration early helped avoid it later.
Autonomy Is Motivation
How might we design a language app that users don’t want to log out of?
02.Define Phase Title
Define phase subheading to encapsulate the meaning of the phase.
Defining : Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Defining : Activity 2
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
Defining : Activity 1
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
This is where you reflect on what you discovered and describe something interesting that you figured out during the process.
KEY INSIGHTS
How might we statement goes here.
Framing the Fluency Problem
Synthesising user patterns into actionable goals
Affinity Mapping
Grouped research data into themes: spontaneity, autonomy, emotional connection, and cultural immersion.
Helped visualise gaps in existing solutions and guided feature brainstorming.
How Might We Statements
Framed questions like “How might we make language learning feel like real conversation?” to explore broad solution paths.
These prompts fuelled the later solution sketches.
Journey Mapping
Built a user flow showing the emotional arc from new user to fluent participant. Key pain points informed onboarding and reward mechanics.
Mapping frustration early helped avoid it later.
Autonomy Is Motivation
How might we design a language app that users don’t want to log out of?
Framing the Fluency Problem
Synthesising user patterns into actionable goals
Affinity Mapping
Grouped research data into themes: spontaneity, autonomy, emotional connection, and cultural immersion.
These insights revealed gaps in immersion and autonomy across nearly all top-rated language learning apps.
How Might We Statements
Framed questions like “How might we make language learning feel like real conversation?” to explore broad solution paths.
These prompts fuelled the later solution sketches.
Journey Mapping
Built a user flow showing the emotional arc from new user to fluent participant. Key pain points informed onboarding and reward mechanics.
Mapping frustration early helped avoid it later.
Autonomy Is Motivation
How might we design a language app that users don’t want to log out of?
Framing the Fluency Problem
Synthesising user patterns into actionable goals
Affinity Mapping
Grouped research data into themes: spontaneity, autonomy, emotional connection, and cultural immersion.
Helped visualise gaps in existing solutions and guided feature brainstorming.
How Might We Statements
Framed questions like “How might we make language learning feel like real conversation?” to explore broad solution paths.
These prompts fuelled the later solution sketches.
Journey Mapping
Built a user flow showing the emotional arc from new user to fluent participant. Key pain points informed onboarding and reward mechanics.
Mapping frustration early helped avoid it later.
Autonomy Is Motivation
How might we design a language app that users don’t want to log out of?
Framing the Fluency Problem
Synthesising user patterns into actionable goals
Affinity Mapping
Analysed Reddit discussions, app store reviews, and online articles. Common complaints included slow pacing, limited cultural context, and low personalisation.
Helped visualise gaps in existing solutions and guided feature brainstorming.
How Might We Statements
Framed questions like “How might we make language learning feel like real conversation?” to explore broad solution paths.
These prompts fuelled the later solution sketches.
Journey Mapping
Built a user flow showing the emotional arc from new user to fluent participant. Key pain points informed onboarding and reward mechanics.
Mapping frustration early helped avoid it later.
Autonomy Is Motivation
How might we design a language app that users don’t want to log out of?
Framing the Fluency Problem
Synthesising user patterns into actionable goals
Affinity Mapping
Grouped research data into themes: spontaneity, autonomy, emotional connection, and cultural immersion.
Helped visualise gaps in existing solutions and guided feature brainstorming.
How Might We Statements
Framed questions like “How might we make language learning feel like real conversation?” to explore broad solution paths.
Framed questions like “How might we make language learning feel like real conversation?” to explore broad solution paths.
Journey Mapping
Built a user flow showing the emotional arc from new user to fluent participant. Key pain points informed onboarding and reward mechanics.
Mapping frustration early helped avoid it later.
Autonomy Is Motivation
How might we design a language app that users don’t want to log out of?
Framing the Fluency Problem
Synthesising user patterns into actionable goals
Affinity Mapping
Grouped research data into themes: spontaneity, autonomy, emotional connection, and cultural immersion.
Helped visualise gaps in existing solutions and guided feature brainstorming.
How Might We Statements
Framed questions like “How might we make language learning feel like real conversation?” to explore broad solution paths.
These prompts fuelled the later solution sketches.
Journey Mapping
Built a user flow showing the emotional arc from new user to fluent participant. Key pain points informed onboarding and reward mechanics.
Mapping frustration early helped avoid it later.
Autonomy Is Motivation
How might we design a language app that users don’t want to log out of?
Immersion by Design
Prototyping learning through content and community
Crazy 8s + Solution Sketching
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
Encouraged fast creativity before committing to a polished direction.
Social Layer Integration
Designed group pages with voice chat, post sharing, and collaborative missions. Inspired by Discord and Reddit.
Helped reframe learning as a community activity.
Voice-Only Interactions
Introduced a novel feature: voice replies to challenges and content prompts.
Aligned with natural speaking practice.
Immersion by Design
Prototyping learning through content and community
Crazy 8s + Solution Sketching
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
Encouraged fast creativity before committing to a polished direction.
Social Layer Integration
Designed group pages with voice chat, post sharing, and collaborative missions. Inspired by Discord and Reddit.
Helped reframe learning as a community activity.
Voice-Only Interactions
Introduced a novel feature: voice replies to challenges and content prompts.
Aligned with natural speaking practice.
Immersion by Design
Prototyping learning through content and community
Crazy 8s + Solution Sketching
This is a description of the first activity that was done to define the user problems. Talk about what you did.
Encouraged fast creativity before committing to a polished direction.
Social Layer Integration
Designed group pages with voice chat, post sharing, and collaborative missions. Inspired by Discord and Reddit.
Helped reframe learning as a community activity.
Voice-Only Interactions
Introduced a novel feature: voice replies to challenges and content prompts.
Aligned with natural speaking practice.
Building a New Fluency Standard
Creating a social, immersive app ecosystem
Onboarding Through Exploration
Users begin by selecting a language and interest area, then join a content group or browse trending lessons.
Foundation Through Figma
Low-fidelity mockups helped visualize feature placement and card interactions.
The Look of Fluency
A mood board and color guide set the tone—modern, calming, and global. Typography supported multilingual script display.
Designed to Be Reused
Component sets for cards, posts, avatars, and progress meters enabled scalability across different screens.
Usability Test
What Worked
The concept is strongly grounded in user need, according to instructor feedback.
Needs Work
Would benefit from expanded reflections and varied perspective testing.
Questions
How do users behave when faced with spontaneous practice instead of structured drills?
Ideas
Test usage between passive learners vs. challenge-seekers.
Design Constraints: No Real User Testing
Time and scope limited validation; user testing remains a future step.
Design Constraints: Presentation-Based Feedback Only
Formal critique was limited to professor commentary without real-time iterations.
Design Constraints: Broad Persona Scope
Designing for multiple user types made simplification a challenge—but also broadened inclusivity.
Language Learning as a Social Experience
Discover Language Through Stories
Users select a book, song, or show and unlock vocabulary embedded in real-world context.
Post, Speak, Learn
Users complete challenges by posting content challengs publicly or privately, building a practice log over time.
Grow Together
Practice languge through voice and video in group chats meant to engourage speech in target languages.
Building a New Fluency Standard
Creating a social, immersive app ecosystem
Onboarding Through Exploration
Users begin by selecting a language and interest area, then join a content group or browse trending lessons.
Foundation Through Figma
Low-fidelity mockups helped visualize feature placement and card interactions.
The Look of Fluency
A mood board and color guide set the tone—modern, calming, and global. Typography supported multilingual script display.
Designed to Be Reused
Component sets for cards, posts, avatars, and progress meters enabled scalability across different screens.
Usability Test
What Worked
The concept is strongly grounded in user need, according to instructor feedback.
Needs Work
Would benefit from expanded reflections and varied perspective testing.
Questions
How do users behave when faced with spontaneous practice instead of structured drills?
Ideas
Test usage between passive learners vs. challenge-seekers.
Design Constraints: No Real User Testing
Time and scope limited validation; user testing remains a future step.
Design Constraints: Presentation-Based Feedback Only
Formal critique was limited to professor commentary without real-time iterations.
Design Constraints: Broad Persona Scope
Designing for multiple user types made simplification a challenge—but also broadened inclusivity.
Language Learning as a Social Experience
Discover Language Through Stories
Users select a book, song, or show and unlock vocabulary embedded in real-world context.
Post, Speak, Learn
Users complete challenges by posting content challengs publicly or privately, building a practice log over time.
Grow Together
Practice languge through voice and video in group chats meant to engourage speech in target languages.
Building a New Fluency Standard
Creating a social, immersive app ecosystem
Onboarding Through Exploration
Users begin by selecting a language and interest area, then join a content group or browse trending lessons.
Foundation Through Figma
Low-fidelity mockups helped visualize feature placement and card interactions.
The Look of Fluency
A mood board and color guide set the tone—modern, calming, and global. Typography supported multilingual script display.
Designed to Be Reused
Component sets for cards, posts, avatars, and progress meters enabled scalability across different screens.
Usability Test
What Worked
The concept is strongly grounded in user need, according to instructor feedback.
Needs Work
Would benefit from expanded reflections and varied perspective testing.
Questions
How do users behave when faced with spontaneous practice instead of structured drills?
Ideas
Test usage between passive learners vs. challenge-seekers.
Design Constraints: No Real User Testing
Time and scope limited validation; user testing remains a future step.
Design Constraints: Presentation-Based Feedback Only
Formal critique was limited to professor commentary without real-time iterations.
Design Constraints: Broad Persona Scope
Designing for multiple user types made simplification a challenge—but also broadened inclusivity.
Language Learning as a Social Experience
Discover Language Through Stories
Users select a book, song, or show and unlock vocabulary embedded in real-world context.
Post, Speak, Learn
Users complete challenges by posting content challengs publicly or privately, building a practice log over time.
Grow Together
Practice languge through voice and video in group chats meant to engourage speech in target languages.
Designing the App I Needed
What does a language learning tool look like when built from lived experience?
Make the User the Teacher
Quality Research Builds Confidence
Research gave me the conviction to stand behind design choices and explain them clearly.
Shared Values Inspire Better Ideas
Finding common needs across very different users helped me think more inclusively.
Language Is Culture
The best learning happens when you're exposed not just to vocabulary—but to people and stories.
Where Lang Social Could Go
Test With Language Learners
Validate immersion features and discover where users find the most motivation.
Build a Feature-Rich Prototype
Expand component sets and transition into a working MVP.
Partner With Cultural Experts
Add contextual accuracy by collaborating with linguists and cultural educators.
Designing the App I Needed
What does a language learning tool look like when built from lived experience?
Make the User the Teacher
Quality Research Builds Confidence
Research gave me the conviction to stand behind design choices and explain them clearly.
Shared Values Inspire Better Ideas
Finding common needs across very different users helped me think more inclusively.
Language Is Culture
The best learning happens when you're exposed not just to vocabulary—but to people and stories.
Where Lang Social Could Go
Test With Language Learners
Validate immersion features and discover where users find the most motivation.
Build a Feature-Rich Prototype
Expand component sets and transition into a working MVP.
Partner With Cultural Experts
Add contextual accuracy by collaborating with linguists and cultural educators.
Designing the App I Needed
What does a language learning tool look like when built from lived experience?
Make the User the Teacher
Quality Research Builds Confidence
Research gave me the conviction to stand behind design choices and explain them clearly.
Shared Values Inspire Better Ideas
Finding common needs across very different users helped me think more inclusively.
Language Is Culture
The best learning happens when you're exposed not just to vocabulary—but to people and stories.
Where Lang Social Could Go
Test With Language Learners
Validate immersion features and discover where users find the most motivation.
Build a Feature-Rich Prototype
Expand component sets and transition into a working MVP.
Partner With Cultural Experts
Add contextual accuracy by collaborating with linguists and cultural educators.
Designing the App I Needed
What does a language learning tool look like when built from lived experience?
Make the User the Teacher
Quality Research Builds Confidence
Research gave me the conviction to stand behind design choices and explain them clearly.
Shared Values Inspire Better Ideas
Finding common needs across very different users helped me think more inclusively.
Language Is Culture
The best learning happens when you're exposed not just to vocabulary—but to people and stories.
Where Lang Social Could Go
Test With Language Learners
Validate immersion features and discover where users find the most motivation.
Build a Feature-Rich Prototype
Expand component sets and transition into a working MVP.
Partner With Cultural Experts
Add contextual accuracy by collaborating with linguists and cultural educators.
