Poly — Logan Asher
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Poly

Language Learning

Poly — Language Learning App

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.

Role

Design
Research
Strategy
Identity
Product Design

Research & Testing

I conducted research with three participants to see what 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 with 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 the user to encourage continued learning

Lesson Experience

Question

Desktop — Question Mobile — Question

Correct Answer

Desktop — Correct Mobile — Correct

Incorrect Answer

Desktop — Incorrect Mobile — Incorrect

Lesson Complete

Desktop — Complete Mobile — Complete

Friendly Encouragement

Poly parrot mascot

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 motivation 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.

Poly dark mode

Brand Identity

Light Theme

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Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk

Adamina

#FFFFFF
#1A2C40
#477292

Dark Theme

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Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk

Adamina

#0F1823
#1A2C40
#72AAEC
Poly final mockup
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