duolingo
Personal project
Helping users feel prepared and confident for real life conversations
ROLE
Product Designer
SKILLS
User Research
UI/UX Design
Wireframing
Interactive Prototyping
TOOLS
Figma
TIMELINE
5 weeks, 2025
duolingo
Personal project
Helping users feel prepared and confident for real life conversations
ROLE
Product Designer
SKILLS
User Research
UI/UX Design
Wireframing
Interactive Prototyping
TOOLS
Figma
TIMELINE
5 weeks, 2025
duolingo
Personal project
Helping users feel prepared and confident for real life conversations
ROLE
Product Designer
SKILLS
User Research
UI/UX Design
Wireframing
Interactive Prototyping
TOOLS
Figma
TIMELINE
5 weeks, 2025
THE CHALLENGE
THE CHALLENGE
THE CHALLENGE
Conversing with native speakers is a whole 'nother ball game
Conversing with native speakers is a whole 'nother ball game
Conversing with native speakers is a whole 'nother ball game
One constant that connects us all is language. Despite the cultural and linguistic barriers between people, learning another language offers a budding opportunity to deepen our perspectives and foster compassion. Duolingo’s interactive lessons provide a valuable learning gateway. However, while real-world application is essential for fully retaining what we learn, Duolingo currently offers limited opportunities to practice language in conversational contexts.
One constant that connects us all is language. Despite the cultural and linguistic barriers between people, learning another language offers a budding opportunity to deepen our perspectives and foster compassion. Duolingo’s interactive lessons provide a valuable learning gateway. However, while real-world application is essential for fully retaining what we learn, Duolingo currently offers limited opportunities to practice language in conversational contexts.
One constant that connects us all is language. Despite the cultural and linguistic barriers between people, learning another language offers a budding opportunity to deepen our perspectives and foster compassion. Duolingo’s interactive lessons provide a valuable learning gateway. However, while real-world application is essential for fully retaining what we learn, Duolingo currently offers limited opportunities to practice language in conversational contexts.
COMPANY RESEARCH
COMPANY RESEARCH
COMPANY RESEARCH
Designing for the sake of learning and retention
Designing for the sake of learning and retention
Designing for the sake of learning and retention
Behind Duolingo’s lighthearted and playful personality is a curriculum grounded in science and crafted by experienced learning designers. I focused on research in order to design a feature that fills this gap with meaningful learning experiences while seamlessly integrating into the platform.
Behind Duolingo’s lighthearted and playful personality is a curriculum grounded in science and crafted by experienced learning designers. I focused on research in order to design a feature that fills this gap with meaningful learning experiences while seamlessly integrating into the platform.
Behind Duolingo’s lighthearted and playful personality is a curriculum grounded in science and crafted by experienced learning designers. I focused on research in order to design a feature that fills this gap with meaningful learning experiences while seamlessly integrating into the platform.
STEPPING INTO USERS' SHOES
STEPPING INTO USERS' SHOES
STEPPING INTO USERS' SHOES
Duolingo users expect to reach a higher fluency
Duolingo users expect to reach a higher fluency
Duolingo users expect to reach a higher fluency
To better understand users’ goals, language learning preferences, and how they currently apply their Duolingo knowledge in conversation, I designed and distributed a survey to 20 Duolingo users.
To better understand users’ goals, language learning preferences, and how they currently apply their Duolingo knowledge in conversation, I designed and distributed a survey to 20 Duolingo users.
To better understand users’ goals, language learning preferences, and how they currently apply their Duolingo knowledge in conversation, I designed and distributed a survey to 20 Duolingo users.
The insights were interesting. The quantitative data seemed to reveal this as a promising problem space to dig deeper into.
The insights were interesting. The quantitative data seemed to reveal this as a promising problem space to dig deeper into.
The insights were interesting. The quantitative data seemed to reveal this as a promising problem space to dig deeper into.
Users expressed alternate ways in which they preferred to learn or thought more beneficial to their experience. With all the learning preferences shared, it became clear that users were pointing out their frustration with not being able to get to the next level, and in turn, their ideation of alternate solutions.
Users expressed alternate ways in which they preferred to learn or thought more beneficial to their experience. With all the learning preferences shared, it became clear that users were pointing out their frustration with not being able to get to the next level, and in turn, their ideation of alternate solutions.
Users expressed alternate ways in which they preferred to learn or thought more beneficial to their experience. With all the learning preferences shared, it became clear that users were pointing out their frustration with not being able to get to the next level, and in turn, their ideation of alternate solutions.
FINDING THE ROOT PROBLEM
FINDING THE ROOT PROBLEM
FINDING THE ROOT PROBLEM
Prolonged direct translation—a cause for plateau?
Prolonged direct translation—a cause for plateau?
Prolonged direct translation—a cause for plateau?
In an attempt to explicitly pinpoint the root problem of this uncomfortable stagnation, I went on Reddit (the land of all unfiltered thoughts). A certain sentiment kept reoccurring: Duolingo's lessons have a strong focus on direct translation which tends to neglect the vocabulary recall muscle.
In an attempt to explicitly pinpoint the root problem of this uncomfortable stagnation, I went on Reddit (the land of all unfiltered thoughts). A certain sentiment kept reoccurring: Duolingo's lessons have a strong focus on direct translation which tends to neglect the vocabulary recall muscle.
In an attempt to explicitly pinpoint the root problem of this uncomfortable stagnation, I went on Reddit (the land of all unfiltered thoughts). A certain sentiment kept reoccurring: Duolingo's lessons have a strong focus on direct translation which tends to neglect the vocabulary recall muscle.
MAIN PAIN POINTS
MAIN PAIN POINTS
MAIN PAIN POINTS
The learning style leaves users feeling unprepared for conversation
The learning style leaves users feeling unprepared for conversation
The learning style leaves users feeling unprepared for conversation
I synthesized my research through affinity mapping in order to identity specific patterns. Users expressed a desire to be in challenging scenarios where their vocabulary recall is strengthened. Without such scenarios, users start to feel a plateau in their learning. And entering real life conversations, they worry about their ability to remember the material they've learned.
I synthesized my research through affinity mapping in order to identity specific patterns. Users expressed a desire to be in challenging scenarios where their vocabulary recall is strengthened. Without such scenarios, users start to feel a plateau in their learning. And entering real life conversations, they worry about their ability to remember the material they've learned.
I synthesized my research through affinity mapping in order to identity specific patterns. Users expressed a desire to be in challenging scenarios where their vocabulary recall is strengthened. Without such scenarios, users start to feel a plateau in their learning. And entering real life conversations, they worry about their ability to remember the material they've learned.
RESEARCHING EFFECTIVE LEARNING TECHNIQUES
RESEARCHING EFFECTIVE LEARNING TECHNIQUES
RESEARCHING EFFECTIVE LEARNING TECHNIQUES
AI, immersion, and consistency is a recipe for learning success
AI, immersion, and consistency is a recipe for learning success
AI, immersion, and consistency is a recipe for learning success
Before ideating, I wanted to feel confident in creating something that was aligned with current learning practices. Sources from Duolingo and Harvard highlighted the effects of leveling up on performance, the complexities of language that is omitted with direct translation, and the importance of leveraging AI, immersion, and consistency for learning a new language.
Taking this into consideration for the ideation stage, I brainstormed a number of ideas that touched upon either some or all AI, immersion, and consistency while moving away from direct translation.
Before ideating, I wanted to feel confident in creating something that was aligned with current learning practices. Sources from Duolingo and Harvard highlighted the effects of leveling up on performance, the complexities of language that is omitted with direct translation, and the importance of leveraging AI, immersion, and consistency for learning a new language.
Taking this into consideration for the ideation stage, I brainstormed a number of ideas that touched upon either some or all AI, immersion, and consistency while moving away from direct translation.
Before ideating, I wanted to feel confident in creating something that was aligned with current learning practices. Sources from Duolingo and Harvard highlighted the effects of leveling up on performance, the complexities of language that is omitted with direct translation, and the importance of leveraging AI, immersion, and consistency for learning a new language.
Taking this into consideration for the ideation stage, I brainstormed a number of ideas that touched upon either some or all AI, immersion, and consistency while moving away from direct translation.
REDIRECTION
REDIRECTION
REDIRECTION
Duolingo's Lily AI chat
Duolingo's Lily AI chat
Duolingo's Lily AI chat
At this point, my idea was either speaking to an AI bot or creating a new lesson type along the learning path that entailed responding to an open prompt. But midst ideation, I stumbled upon one of Duolingo's newest features.
At this point, my idea was either speaking to an AI bot or creating a new lesson type along the learning path that entailed responding to an open prompt. But midst ideation, I stumbled upon one of Duolingo's newest features.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Designing for accessibility and immersion
Designing for accessibility and immersion
Designing for accessibility and immersion
I knew that I still wanted to go the direction where users have to respond to a prompt in order to practice recalling from their language bank. But now, I wanted to focus on a feature that would uphold Duolingo's core values of free and accessible for all people.
I knew that I still wanted to go the direction where users have to respond to a prompt in order to practice recalling from their language bank. But now, I wanted to focus on a feature that would uphold Duolingo's core values of free and accessible for all people.
I knew that I still wanted to go the direction where users have to respond to a prompt in order to practice recalling from their language bank. But now, I wanted to focus on a feature that would uphold Duolingo's core values of free and accessible for all people.
Study path response
Study path response
Potentially free
Potentially free
Does not promote user interaction
Does not promote user interaction
Friend conversation streaks
Friend conversation streaks
Profile entry point not intuitive
Profile entry point not intuitive
Overwhelming
Overwhelming
ITERATING ON FEEDBACK
ITERATING ON FEEDBACK
ITERATING ON FEEDBACK
Practicing with friends makes reaching the next level that much closer
Practicing with friends makes reaching the next level that much closer
Practicing with friends makes reaching the next level that much closer
As I interviewed my friend Alex (avid Duolingo user), he shared that conversing with friends might make practicing more comfortable. I thought this could be a potential solution especially since a main pain point was worrying about receiving judgement.
Upon feedback on my midfis, I made adjustments to ensure this feature was discoverable, encouraging, and dynamic in order to promote consistency, immersion, and community.
As I interviewed my friend Alex (avid Duolingo user), he shared that conversing with friends might make practicing more comfortable. I thought this could be a potential solution especially since a main pain point was worrying about receiving judgement.
Upon feedback on my midfis, I made adjustments to ensure this feature was discoverable, encouraging, and dynamic in order to promote consistency, immersion, and community.
As I interviewed my friend Alex (avid Duolingo user), he shared that conversing with friends might make practicing more comfortable. I thought this could be a potential solution especially since a main pain point was worrying about receiving judgement.
Upon feedback on my midfis, I made adjustments to ensure this feature was discoverable, encouraging, and dynamic in order to promote consistency, immersion, and community.
FINAL SOLUTION
FINAL SOLUTION
FINAL SOLUTION
Share a conversation with a friend and complete a quest!
Share a conversation with a friend and complete a quest!
Share a conversation with a friend and complete a quest!
Practice having a conversation in your new language with a friend under the quests tab. An AI-generated prompt will initiate the conversation so you both can get right into chatting.
Practice having a conversation in your new language with a friend under the quests tab. An AI-generated prompt will initiate the conversation so you both can get right into chatting.
Practice having a conversation in your new language with a friend under the quests tab. An AI-generated prompt will initiate the conversation so you both can get right into chatting.
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
Not being able to translate something should not set you back
Not being able to translate something should not set you back
Not being able to translate something should not set you back
Tap on a word or character from your friend's message in order to reveal the translation in your default language. This way, you can not only reinforce the meaning of this word, but also feel motivated continuing the conversation.
Tap on a word or character from your friend's message in order to reveal the translation in your default language. This way, you can not only reinforce the meaning of this word, but also feel motivated continuing the conversation.
Tap on a word or character from your friend's message in order to reveal the translation in your default language. This way, you can not only reinforce the meaning of this word, but also feel motivated continuing the conversation.
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
Friends who grow together, stick together
Friends who grow together, stick together
Friends who grow together, stick together
High five your friend when you've both shared a conversation. And if they haven't responded yet? Give them a nudge with a comforting—or even sassy—message. Consistency and a motivating environment are key.
High five your friend when you've both shared a conversation. And if they haven't responded yet? Give them a nudge with a comforting—or even sassy—message. Consistency and a motivating environment are key.
High five your friend when you've both shared a conversation. And if they haven't responded yet? Give them a nudge with a comforting—or even sassy—message. Consistency and a motivating environment are key.
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
Cross-language functionality
Cross-language functionality
Cross-language functionality
Practice conversing with friends even when they're learning another language. The grey text indicates the language the user is actually learning.
Practice conversing with friends even when they're learning another language. The grey text indicates the language the user is actually learning.
Practice conversing with friends even when they're learning another language. The grey text indicates the language the user is actually learning.
There are many differing complexities between languages. I thought the way Google Translate's NTM handled this best by not only translating word-by-word for complete context, but also replacing idioms and filler words with similar ones in the translated language.
There are many differing complexities between languages. I thought the way Google Translate's NTM handled this best by not only translating word-by-word for complete context, but also replacing idioms and filler words with similar ones in the translated language.
There are many differing complexities between languages. I thought the way Google Translate's NTM handled this best by not only translating word-by-word for complete context, but also replacing idioms and filler words with similar ones in the translated language.
REFLECTION AND TAKEAWAYS
REFLECTION AND TAKEAWAYS
the fine balance
the fine balance
the fine balance
Getting to work on Duolingo pushed me to always stay grounded in research. Duolingo’s curriculum being backed by science challenged me to explore consciously—to consistently ask myself of the intention behind my designs. I felt deeply fulfilled doing so!
Getting to work on Duolingo pushed me to always stay grounded in research. Duolingo’s curriculum being backed by science challenged me to explore consciously—to consistently ask myself of the intention behind my designs. I felt deeply fulfilled doing so!
Getting to work on Duolingo pushed me to always stay grounded in research. Duolingo’s curriculum being backed by science challenged me to explore consciously—to consistently ask myself of the intention behind my designs. I felt deeply fulfilled doing so!
keep moving, just keep moving
keep moving, just keep moving
keep moving, just keep moving
This was a quick project cycle in the midst of midterms and events. It taught me to not only think thoughtfully, but to also think fast. In order to see if things work, I tried it out first and went back if needed. This went for research and design ideation.
This was a quick project cycle in the midst of midterms and events. It taught me to not only think thoughtfully, but to also think fast. In order to see if things work, I tried it out first and went back if needed. This went for research and design ideation.
This was a quick project cycle in the midst of midterms and events. It taught me to not only think thoughtfully, but to also think fast. In order to see if things work, I tried it out first and went back if needed. This went for research and design ideation.