Earthlingo
Language exchange app focused on having conversations with other language learners.
Earthlingo is a language exchange app connecting learners worldwide, helping them track progress and improve speaking skills through real-life conversations.
Overview
Designlab UX Academy 2023
Earthlingo recognizes that language is a collaborative effort that cannot be studied in isolation. Language learning requires a real-life context and the application of learned concepts to practical scenarios.
By connecting language learners with native speakers, Earthlingo provides an immersive experience that enables learners to practice speaking in a realistic context, further enhancing their language proficiency.
Deliverables
User Interviews
User Flows
Information Architecture
High Fidelity Wireframing
Brand Style Guides
Problem
The three common challenges that can lead to struggles with learning a language are lack of confidence, lack of support, and lack of progress tracking. These challenges can make it difficult for learners to stay motivated, identify areas of weakness, and celebrate their successes.
Popular language-learning apps can help you learn the basics of a language, but they may not be enough to help you communicate effectively in real-life situations.
Opportunity
Sung, Y., & Chen, H. (2023). The effectiveness of conversational language learning apps: A study of college students in the United States. Language Learning & Technology, 27(1), 1-23.
In a 2023 study by the University of Southern California, students who used a conversational language learning app for 15 minutes a day for 12 weeks learned an average of 1,000 new words, increased their speaking fluency by 20%, and improved their grammar and pronunciation.
15 mins
Participants practiced conversational language for fifteen minutes per day.
20%
Improved their speaking fluency, grammar, and pronunciation.
1,000
Conversational app users learned one thousand words in 12 weeks, five hundred more words than non-users.
Competitive Analysis
Earthlingo offers a comprehensive and flexible approach to language learning, with features like collaborative learning, casual conversation, and personalized progress tracking. Unlike popular language learning apps like Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, and Babbel; Earthlingo includes realistic conversation practice, which helps learners to improve intonation, emotion, and timing.
User Interviews
11 participants
Ages 24- 36
1-hour virtual interview
10 questions w/ short answer
To design effective language learning experiences, I needed to understand our users' goals, abilities, and time constraints to gain insights into users' motivations, learning styles, pain points, and preferences.
"Language learning isn't just about memorizing words and grammar. It's about opening yourself up to culture, connection, and understanding. Speaking to natives is key"
Selena 26, Vietnam
Solution Ideation
Earthlingo prioritizes user flexibility and customization, while also fostering meaningful relationships and building a supportive community. In-depth conversations with others enhance language proficiency and cultural understanding, unlike other language learning apps that mainly offer games and social media features.
Early concept for social focused app with image feeds.
How to add another language to your profile for the future
Key Value
The Rooms feature on Earthlingo connects language learners of similar interests and skill levels, providing a comfortable environment to improve speaking and comprehension skills. Host or join a room to enhance abilities at your own pace with a natural and engaging learning experience.
How to create a room to practice.
How to select a language and skill level to create a room.
01. Empathic communication
02. Track your language journey
03. Connect with a global community
Final Design
01.
Empathic Communication
Earthlingo offers a supportive community for language learners to practice with peers at a similar level. By finding communities aligned with your goals, you can overcome self-doubt and lack of motivation while building confidence and proficiency in your new language.
02.
Track Your Language Journey
Earthlingo app allows you to set personalized goals and track your progress toward them. You can also log your practice sessions and receive personalized feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement.
Talk with friends, log your practice, analysis your data
Track your progress with data from your conversations
03.
Connect with a Global Community.
Find users that share your same interests, speak at the same skill level, and want to learn the same language! Enhance your comprehension and speaking skills by immersive yourself with native users around the world.
Learning & Takeaways
Language is complex
Designing a language app is challenging due to the complex, constantly evolving nature of language and cultural differences. Understanding these nuances is crucial for creating an effective and enjoyable user experience that keeps users engaged.
Representing diversity and inclusion
When expanding language support and deciding which countries' flags to include, it's important to consider cultural and political sensitivities in order to ensure that all users feel represented and included.
Growth takes time
Developing an app and learning a language requires a long-term commitment. Adaptability to unforeseen events and staying up-to-date with changes in technology or language practices are essential for growth.