Poly Concept

Overview

A problem that many people face is wanting to learn a new language but not knowing where to start. It can be a very difficult thing to do with things like age and having a busy schedule. My solution to this problem was to create a simple, minimalistic platform that gives you one question at a time; increasing in difficulty as you move through each course. In the real world, this would include basic aspects of vocabulary and grammar, but also speaking quizzes and the ability to connect with a pen pal or speaking partner.

Role

Design

Research

Strategy

Identity

Product Design

Research & Testing

I conducted research with three participants to see what the opinion was on language-learning and how my design could help users take on this task. All three users agreed that learning a new language is a difficult and confusing process.

By keeping it to one question per screen and gradually ramping up difficulty, this helps users feel more at ease as they move through the learning process.

Competitive audits were conducted using companies such as Duolingo and Babbel offering similar services in the language learning space.

Empathize

After age ten, learning a new language becomes much more difficult.

It is difficult to maintain, but easy to lose.

Finding a partner to practice conversational skills can be a challenge.

Speaking a language you don't fully understand can be embarrassing.

Ideate

Speaking lessons recorded by native speakers

Language exchange to match you with a speaker of your target language

Tests and quizzes to reinforce retention of materials

Notifications and reminders set up by user to encourage continued learning

Lesson Experience

Friendly Encouragement

One of the biggest challenges of learning a new language is keeping up with your studies on a regular basis. In addition to user opt-in push and email notification reminders, Poly includes a parrot mascot that appears throughout the experience to give his friends some tips and pep talks to help them better utilize the platform, but also provide motiviation that gets them more invested in completing lessons, as well as returning to learn more.

The success of this approach can be seen with Duolingo's widely popular (and sometimes threatening) Duo the owl. Duo is a main focal point of the experience from guiding through the language-learning process down to app update notes.

For the late-night learners

A dark mode toggle for the desktop and mobile experience makes Poly easy on the eyes no matter the time of day or lighting conditions.

Brand Identity

Typography

Color Palette