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Securing your first job in UX design can be challenging, but there was one case study in particular that helped me differentiate myself from other candidates. With the coaching of my mentor from Designlab, I designed a non-traditional learning app that teaches the Korean language using Korean media such as K-pop, K-drama, and K-webtoon with an emphasis on building a habit.
Have you tried learning a language through a mobile app? How successful were you? Have you heard that language learning apps are only a supplement to classes? Or… that language apps aren’t helpful for speaking skills? In 2020, Michigan State University conducted a study using Babbel, a popular subscription-based language learning app and e-learning platform, to answer the question, “How effective are language learning apps?” (1).
A test was taken by 54 students at MSU before and after 12 weeks of studying Spanish through Babbel. Surprisingly, the level of oral proficiency, grammar, and vocabulary correlated with how long students used the app. The more time spent on the app, the higher the scores. One downside to this study was that 36% of participants quit halfway. It became clear that what’s important is that users need to be persistent and must put in the time to make progress.
