Designing a low-friction habit for high-impact learning.
Lexia
Summary
Challenge
Hypothesis & Design Goals
Why this problem mattered
Many people want to expand their language skills, but struggle to build consistent habits in daily life.
The challenge was to design a tool that fits into busy routines, avoids cognitive overload, and offers just enough feedback to stay engaging without becoming distracting.
Empowering learners to build and retain vocabulary effectively by providing an engaging, personalized, and accessible learning experience. Our goal is to make vocabulary acquisition seamless and enjoyable, allowing users to integrate learning into their daily lives with ease.
Make adding and reviewing terms fast and intuitive
Reduce visual clutter and focus attention
Support progress tracking without pressure
Design for both quick sessions and deep review
Ensure a calming, non-intrusive interface
Disciplines
User Experience Design
Responsibility
UX Research
Wireframing
Prototyping
Presentation
Tools
Figma
Keynote
„I always want to learn, but it doesn’t fit into my day.“
Lexia is a lightweight flashcard app designed to help busy professionals build consistent language learning habits.
Through research, prototyping, and testing, I created a simple yet motivating interface that supports adding new vocabulary, reviewing terms, and tracking progress without feeling like a chore.
What began as a basic feature set turned into a hands-on lesson in designing for habit formation, focus, and emotional clarity. The result: a lean, cross-platform concept with thoughtful UX decisions grounded in real user behavior.
The Problem Statement
Hypothesis
Emma struggles to retain and recall vocabulary, especially in real-life conversations. She needs a way to learn and practice words in a more engaging and context-based manner because existing vocabulary tools feel too static and are often replaced by quick translation solutions. We will know this to be true when users report improved word retention, increased engagement with vocabulary learning tools, and reduced reliance on translation apps.
Simple. Motivating. Flexible.
We believe that by designing a language learning tool that integrates short, manageable study sessions into Emma's daily routine and provides reminders, we can help her consistently practice and improve her vocabulary without disrupting her work
schedule.
Discover
Possible Problems
Users struggle to retain and recall vocabulary in real-life conversations.
Existing vocabulary learning tools are often too static and lack engagement.
Users rely on translation apps instead of actively learning new words.
Many learners find it difficult to stay consistent with vocabulary practice.
Learning new words without context makes retention harder.
Define
Possible Problem Statement
"Language learners need a way to effectively practice and retain vocabulary in a more engaging and context-driven manner because traditional learning methods and vocabulary apps often feel passive, leading to low retention and reliance on quick translations."
Develop
Possible Solutions
Implement an interactive learning approach with real-life usage examples.
Introduce spaced repetition and smart reminders to encourage daily practice.
Provide a customizable learning experience, allowing users to create and organize their own word sets.
Gamify the learning process with challenges, achievements, and rewards.
Offer an AI-powered contextual learning tool that suggests new words based on users’ real-life conversations or reading habits.
Deliver
Best Possible Solution
A personalized, interactive vocabulary learning app that combines context-driven exercises, spaced repetition, and gamification to make vocabulary acquisition engaging and effective. Users can create their own word sets, receive smart reminders for consistent learning, and track their progress through an intuitive dashboard.
Approaching the Problem
Discover
User Research
Discover
Understanding learning behaviors in real life
To uncover what helps or hinders vocabulary learning, I conducted interviews with six participants aged 23–42, including working professionals, students, and casual learners.
The focus was on daily routines, learning triggers, and app behaviors, especially what makes people stop or stick with a learning habit.
Goal 1
Understand how users currently learn and retain new vocabulary – Identify preferred learning methods, common challenges, and how users integrate vocabulary learning into their daily lives.
Goal 2
Evaluate the effectiveness and engagement of existing vocabulary learning tools – Explore why users do or don’t use vocabulary apps, what features they find useful or frustrating, and what gaps exist in current solutions.
Goal 3
Identify opportunities for improving digital vocabulary learning experiences – Determine what features or approaches could make vocabulary learning more engaging, practical, and suited to users’ needs, especially for those with limited time.
User Research Key Insights
Research Goals
Learning Preferences
The interviews revealed that users prefer learning vocabulary in real-life contexts rather than structured lessons. Speaking and listening are considered the most effective methods for retention, as they help reinforce words naturally in conversations. However, many participants struggle to recall words when they need them, making vocabulary retention a key challenge.
Use of Tools & Technology
Most participants rely on translation websites like Deepl or Google Translate rather than dedicated vocabulary apps. Existing learning apps are often perceived as too static or ineffective, failing to provide the level of engagement needed to keep users motivated.
Opportunities for Improvement
A vocabulary learning tool should focus on practical usage, real-world conversations, and interactive learning rather than traditional memorization. Features such as quick reference tools, flashcards, and short practice sessions could help users integrate learning into their daily routines. To be successful, the solution should prioritize engagement, real-world application, and flexibility to meet users' needs effectively.
Challenges in Vocabulary Learning
A common difficulty among users is remembering words in real-time conversations. Additionally, finding time for structured learning is a major obstacle, particularly for professionals who have busy schedules. As a result, many learners rely on spontaneous or informal methods rather than consistent study routines.
Lack of Engagement with Language Apps
None of the interviewees regularly use a vocabulary learning app, mainly because they prefer interactive and context-based learning. Some participants mentioned they would consider using an app if it provided more engaging, conversation-driven exercises rather than passive memorization techniques.
“I want to practice every day, but after work I just don’t have the energy to open a complex app.”
User Persona
Define
Emma is a research-informed proto-persona that combines recurring traits from the user interviews – particularly those who are motivated to learn, but easily discouraged by friction or overcomplication.
She represents a typical learner who wants to build a habit, but needs the process to be smooth, adaptable, and emotionally encouraging.
Her behaviors and frustrations directly informed the core flow and tone of the app.
Emma Jackson | she/her | Age: 24
Emma Becker | she/her | Age: 35
Berlin, GER
Sales Manager
Emma is a professional working in a dynamic environment requiring strong communication skills in English. Has taken advanced business English courses to improve work-related communication. Continues to enhance language skills independently, often using various multimedia resources like TV shows, podcasts, and conversational practice.
"I learn best when I can use vocabulary in real conversations. Practical, real-life context helps me remember words better than just reading from a list."
Background
To improve business English vocabulary for better professional communication and effectiveness in daily tasks.
To retain and use new vocabulary effectively in both professional and social conversations.
Goals
Finds it challenging to recall and use the correct vocabulary in spontaneous conversations.
Struggles with speaking new vocabulary out loud and engaging in small talk.
Prefers practical and immersive learning methods over static word lists or language apps.
Finds it difficult to find consistent time to study due to a busy work schedule.
Frustrations
Studies vocabulary during the day without a designated study space.
Uses online translation tools (Dicct, Grammarly, Deepl) to review written content and check vocabulary.
Watches English TV shows and listens to English podcasts to enhance vocabulary.
Learns vocabulary through real-life conversational practice with colleagues, friends, and family.
Writes down frequently forgotten words on small cards and reviews them during brief breaks.
Behaviors
Competitor Analysis
Discover
Finding the gaps in a crowded field
Before diving into design, I analyzed existing flashcard and vocabulary apps like Quizlet, Anki, and Memrise to understand their strengths—and their blind spots.
While many offer powerful features, they often require steep learning curves, lack emotional warmth, or overwhelm users with unnecessary gamification and configuration layers.
I conducted a SWOT analysis to identify where Lexia could differentiate by focusing on three core aspects:
Simplicity over complexity
Habit-building instead of pressure
A calming UI that encourages focus, not distraction
Brainscape
Brainscape uses a unique algorithm to optimize the repetition of flashcards, focusing on areas where you need the most improvement.
Success Factors
Areas of Improvement
Usability
Accessibility
Achievements and metrics help to keep users engaged
download for offline use
Multidevice sync
Quick onboarding process
easy to find account deletion; makes the off-boarding process frictionless
Easy Card Creation helps the user to get started more smoothly
loads of content / prebuilt sets to explore
curated categories (”Brainscape-Certified Flashcards”)
card repetition based on your knowledge rating
not too annoying pro-version subscription ads
a clear focus on flashcard learning - the main feature is easy to use
feature requests
Account creation required at onboarding
Icon sizes inconsistent
too many Icons
too many font sizes
UI feels big and clunky
Loading screen: elements to dominant
The platform offers quick onboarding, easy account deletion, and simple card
creation. It also utilizes card repetition based on user knowledge ratings and focuses
on flashcard learning. However, issues with inconsistent icon and font sizes, excessive
number of icons and font sizes, bulky UI, and dominant loading screen elements
impact usability.
The app offers enhanced accessibility features such as the ability to download content
for offline use and synchronize data across multiple devices. However, the requirement
to log in solely for synchronization purposes may present a barrier to accessibility for
some users.
Memrise
Combines flashcards with interactive learning experiences, including videos and audio clips from native speakers.
Success Factors
Areas of Improvement
Usability
Accessibility
Onboarding questions easy to understand
Learning reminder, helps users to stay on track with their learning process
3 practice types: Vocabulary, Videos of native speakers, AI Trainer brings more value to the product
Easy to find account deletion
Daily tasks, Achievements, metrics
Flashcards are only a minor feature could be distracting for some users
Login required at onboarding
Loading animation too big
UI inconsistent
Some basic categories are locked in the free version
Permanent ad banner to promote the pro version
Many ads for the pro version
Inconsistent UI elements/sections in user settings
Flashcards: answers are always revealed might disturb the learning process for some users
Font and icon sizes inconsistent
Unnecessary and incorrect line breaks in German translation
Some sections on the start page scroll in different directions; this feels unnatural
The platform offers multiple sign-up options, clear onboarding questions, and various practice types. However, consistency issues such as UI elements, font and icon sizes, line breaks, and scrolling directions were identified during testing. Additionally, users found the loading animation to be too large.
After testing, it was found that the platform offers multiple options for signing up and provides learning reminders, which are positive aspects. However, a notable drawback is the requirement for users to log in, which could potentially hinder accessibility for some individuals.
Quizlet
Offers a wide range of flashcard sets and study modes, including games and tests, to help reinforce vocabulary learning.
Success Factors
Areas of Improvement
Usability
Accessibility
UI feels more consistent is easier to read but it’s also smaller and could be unsuitable for younger user
Download for offline use
Tutorial Tooltips
Flashcard set sharing
Daily tasks, Achievements, metrics
Possibility to connect to schools and courses
Extensive search options for books, Learn sets and courses
Onboarding: Birthday is a required field, this seems irrelevant for the account setup
Login required
Email verification required; redirects to website → Cookie consent
In some parts, the UI feels overwhelming, especially when creating new cards
The amount and placement of ads feels annoying
During the testing, several positive aspects were noted, including the high-quality feel of the user interface, tutorial tooltips for guidance, the ability to share flashcard sets, daily tasks, achievements, and metrics, an easy-to-read user interface, and extensive search options for books, learning sets, and courses. However, it was also observed that in some parts, the user interface feels overwhelming.
The testing revealed several positive aspects, including the availability of multiple sign-up options, the ability to download content for offline use, and the option to connect to schools and courses. However, some drawbacks were identified, such as the requirement to provide a birthday during onboarding, the necessity to log in, and the need for email verification, which consequently redirects to a website with cookie consent.
Ideation & Flow Design
Ideate
From real-life friction to streamlined interaction
Based on interview insights and the proto-persona’s needs, I designed a simple core flow focused on adding new vocabulary and reviewing it with minimal effort.
The goal was to support spontaneous, real-life learning moments – like hearing a word in a podcast or reading it in a message – and make capturing and recalling that word fast and satisfying.
I mapped a single-task flow around these three core actions:
Add a new term instantly
Tag or group words by theme
Review vocabulary in short sessions
Using flowcharts and quick sketches, I prioritized clarity, minimal input steps, and a smooth handoff between mobile and desktop views.
User Flows
User adds new terms to a learn set, building a personalized and focused study resource.
Objective
What prompted her?
How will she know the task is done?
What does Emma already know?
What information does she need?
Information Gathering
New term successfully created
Success Criteria
Wireframes
Ideate
I translated the core flow into a set of wireframes for both mobile and desktop, focusing on clarity, minimal friction, and calming visual structure.
Key design decisions included:
A distraction-free home screen with a single call to action: “Add a word”
Simple grouping via tags instead of complex decks or levels
A compact review mode designed for short daily bursts
These wireframes evolved into a mid-fidelity prototype that allowed for early testing of interactions, layout, and navigation logic – before any visual styling was applied.
Usability Testing
Prototype
Can a minimalist interface support consistent learning habits?
To validate early design decisions, I conducted moderated usability tests with five participants on mobile and desktop prototypes.
The test aimed to go beyond task completion and explore user behaviors, pain points, and motivational triggers in real-life learning situations.
Participants completed several tasks:
Create Account and onboard.
Add new Terms to a new learn set.
Explore learning content.
Change your Password.
This helped assess how intuitive the interaction felt, where friction occurred, and whether the flow supported habit-building.
Participants
3
Tasks to Complete
8
Methodology
In-Person, moderated
Equipment
Smartphone, Laptop,
Recording Device,
Script
Timeframe
2 days
Goals
This research aims to understand how language learners practice vocabulary, the challenges they face, and what keeps them motivated. The focus is on identifying user behaviors, uncovering pain points with existing solutions, and exploring factors that encourage consistent learning. These insights help shape a more engaging and effective learning experience.
Session Duration
15 min
The Result
Key Insights
Participants appreciated the simplicity but missed visual confirmation after saving
The tagging concept worked, but some wanted folder-like control
The lack of audio feedback was mentioned by two users as a barrier to retention
Users described the interface as “quick,” “pleasant,” and “non-overwhelming”
Design Iterations
Based on the findings, I made several improvements:
Added visual feedback for successful actions
Clarified tag interaction with labels and helper text
Prioritized audio support as a future feature to deepen retention
“It’s clean. I didn’t get lost, which is rare with language apps.”
Outcome & Reflection
Next Steps
Reflection
Designing for simplicity, learning for impact
The final concept for Lexia is a calm, focused vocabulary app that helps users form consistent learning habits – without pressure, noise, or gamification overload.
Through research, prototyping, and testing, I learned how small UX decisions – like when to show feedback or how much structure to offer—can make the difference between a forgotten tool and a daily habit.
This project deepened my skills in:
Translating behavior patterns into product structure
Designing low-friction flows for high-frequency use
Balancing clarity with motivation in a minimalist UI
If developed further, Lexia could benefit from:
Audio support for pronunciation and recall
Optional spaced repetition for deeper retention
Light community or streak tracking features—without compromising focus
Let’s create meaningful experiences – one word at a time.
Thanks for taking the time to explore this case study.If you’d like to collaborate or chat more about language learning, minimal UX, or product design, feel free to get in touch.
Thank you.