WANDER
Pokémon Go but for Language Learning
Role
Full-Stack Designer
Timeline
2023 (8 weeks)
Skills
Product Design
User Research
Prototyping
01 Overview
THE PROBLEM
Learning a new language can be exhausting with constant dictionary look-ups
You see something, you look it up.
You read something, you look it up...
Only to forget it all by tomorrow.
It’s a frustrating cycle that drains motivation and breaks the learning flow, especially for beginners overwhelmed by the sheer volume of new vocabulary to make progress.
Sustained exposure is key, but opportunities outside formal classrooms are limited.
THE SOLUTION
Making learning effortless by turning your surroundings into a classroom
Wander is an app designed for beginner language learners to help them master basic vocabulary and phrases.
Snap pictures of objects and moments around you, and Wander creates sentences you can practice immediately while automatically generating flashcards to help you “catch them all.”
1
Personalized learning
Set personalized goals and level
2
Capture a word
Snap a picture of an object and pronounce or spell it to capture a word
3
Mini-lessons
After you capture a word, practice the word in context in a short lesson right away or later if you're on the go.
4
Capture a Moment
Practice forming sentences by describing things happening around you and get grammar feedback
5
Automatic flashcards
Wander saves all your captures and generates an reviewing plan optimized for retention
6
Learn with others
See what other wanderers have captured, explore maps around the globe and practice conversations in live chats.
02 Research
User Interviews
To gain insight into user demographics, needs, and experiences of language learning methods and tools, I conducted interviews with 4 language learners.
Interview Notes / Affinity Mapping
Survey Summary
Opportunities
With these insights, I focused on the following questions
How might we provides quick and contextual definitions, reducing the need to navigate to external sources?
How might we incorporate fun gamification elements into language learning to motivate consistent practice?
How might we create a flexible learning structure that accommodates sporadic or limited time availability, enabling users to seamlessly learn at their convenience?
03 Brainstorming Solutions
Potential Solution #1
Mixed Reality Experience
A VR/AR language game that replicates the real immersive language exposure from traveling abroad.
While this is a concept I want to further explore, I realized that VR headsets are not as portable or accessible for most people (at least not yet) as a mobile device, which could cause another friction that would affect motivation.
Potential Solution #2
Augmented Reality Mobile App
Instead, I chose to explore a semi-AR experience on the mobile device. With the device camera, it would allow seamless integration of daily encounter of words and phrases. Inspired by Pokémon Go, I sketched a wireframe that allows contextual learning by "catching" words from your surroundings.
Mapping out the user flow
To address users’ need for accommodating busy schedules, I optimized the user flow by minimizing screens and giving users control over when to pause or continue learning.
04 Final prototype
Try wander around 🚶♀️🚶♀️
05 Moving forward
Potential Limitations
While Wander focuses on helping beginners build foundational vocabulary, its effectiveness may be limited by the user’s environment—for instance, those with routine schedules may encounter repetitive words and phrases. To address this, I envision expanding the app to incorporate language immersion through virtual reality, creating a more engaging and interactive experience.
Additionally, integrating internet browsing as a source for capturing new words and phrases could broaden the learning opportunities beyond the user’s physical surroundings.
Future plans
I plan to include a progress tracker for positive reinforcement and explore multiplayer or competitive game elements to make learning even more fun and engaging.
Through these improvements, I hope to create a language-learning platform that is immersive and inspiring. Most importantly, enjoyable!