B2C mobile app
B2C mobile app
EdTech / Language learning
EdTech / Language learning
Duolingo
Duolingo
In this project, I explored how Duolingo could better support learners who struggle to stay consistent with daily practice. Many users download the app with excitement, but drop off after the first weeks due to time pressure or loss of motivation.
In this project, I explored how Duolingo could better support learners who struggle to stay consistent with daily practice. Many users download the app with excitement, but drop off after the first weeks due to time pressure or loss of motivation.
My focus was on redesigning the daily practice flow to fit into short, busy moments. I worked on creating a Quick Practice Mode that delivers meaningful micro-learning in just a few minutes while still rewarding progress.
My focus was on redesigning the daily practice flow to fit into short, busy moments. I worked on creating a Quick Practice Mode that delivers meaningful micro-learning in just a few minutes while still rewarding progress.
The design emphasized flexibility, motivation, and simplicity — helping learners maintain their streaks, reduce frustration, and feel a sense of achievement every day, even when they don’t have time for a full lesson.
The design emphasized flexibility, motivation, and simplicity — helping learners maintain their streaks, reduce frustration, and feel a sense of achievement every day, even when they don’t have time for a full lesson.
Daily Practice Flow
Daily Practice Flow
Daily Practice Flow
Quick Practice
Quick Practice
Quick Practice
For this project, I redesigned the daily practice flow in Duolingo to help learners stay consistent with their studies. Research showed that many users were losing motivation and dropping their streaks after the first week, often because lessons required too much time to complete.
For this project, I redesigned the daily practice flow in Duolingo to help learners stay consistent with their studies. Research showed that many users were losing motivation and dropping their streaks after the first week, often because lessons required too much time to complete.
For this project, I redesigned the daily practice flow in Duolingo to help learners stay consistent with their studies. Research showed that many users were losing motivation and dropping their streaks after the first week, often because lessons required too much time to complete.
Earn XP, gems, and badges even in Quick Practice Mode to feel rewarded every day.
Earn XP, gems, and badges even in Quick Practice Mode to feel rewarded every day.
Earn XP, gems, and badges even in Quick Practice Mode to feel rewarded every day.
Stay motivated
Stay motivated
Stay motivated
Short challenges, playful characters, and instant feedback keep the experience enjoyable.
Short challenges, playful characters, and instant feedback keep the experience enjoyable.
Short challenges, playful characters, and instant feedback keep the experience enjoyable.
Fun & Engaging
Fun & Engaging
Fun & Engaging
Complete a meaningful practice session in under 3 minutes — designed for learners with busy schedules.
Complete a meaningful practice session in under 3 minutes — designed for learners with busy schedules.
Complete a meaningful practice session in under 3 minutes — designed for learners with busy schedules.
Quick & Flexible
Quick & Flexible
Quick & Flexible
Keep your streak alive with short sessions that still count towards daily progress.
Keep your streak alive with short sessions that still count towards daily progress.
Keep your streak alive with short sessions that still count towards daily progress.
Streak Protection
Streak Protection
Streak Protection
Project overview
Project overview
As part of the Duolingo product team, I worked on improving the daily practice experience to help learners stay consistent with their studies. Data from our analytics showed that many users dropped their streaks after the first week because lessons felt too long to complete during busy schedules. This created frustration, reduced motivation, and increased churn.
Our goal was to design a Quick Practice Mode — a lightweight 3-minute session that learners could start from the home screen in one tap. The feature kept the core elements of Duolingo (XP, streaks, gems, and Duo’s motivation) while removing unnecessary friction for busy learners.
This initiative aligned with both user needs (flexibility, motivation, reduced time pressure) and business goals (higher retention, improved streak engagement). My role covered research synthesis, user journey mapping, wireframes, high-fidelity designs, and testing iterations.
As part of the Duolingo product team, I worked on improving the daily practice experience to help learners stay consistent with their studies. Data from our analytics showed that many users dropped their streaks after the first week because lessons felt too long to complete during busy schedules. This created frustration, reduced motivation, and increased churn.
Our goal was to design a Quick Practice Mode — a lightweight 3-minute session that learners could start from the home screen in one tap. The feature kept the core elements of Duolingo (XP, streaks, gems, and Duo’s motivation) while removing unnecessary friction for busy learners.
This initiative aligned with both user needs (flexibility, motivation, reduced time pressure) and business goals (higher retention, improved streak engagement). My role covered research synthesis, user journey mapping, wireframes, high-fidelity designs, and testing iterations.
Design Challenge
Design Challenge
1
1
Problem
Our analytics and user research showed that a significant portion of learners lost their streaks within the first 7–10 days. The main reason was time pressure — full lessons often took 15+ minutes, which busy users couldn’t consistently commit to. This led to frustration, churn, and a decline in overall engagement.
Problem
Our analytics and user research showed that a significant portion of learners lost their streaks within the first 7–10 days. The main reason was time pressure — full lessons often took 15+ minutes, which busy users couldn’t consistently commit to. This led to frustration, churn, and a decline in overall engagement.
2
2
Goal
Design a faster and more flexible way to practice that still feels rewarding. The solution needed to protect streaks, provide quick wins with XP and gems, and reinforce motivation through Duo’s personality — all while fitting into short daily breaks.
Goal
Design a faster and more flexible way to practice that still feels rewarding. The solution needed to protect streaks, provide quick wins with XP and gems, and reinforce motivation through Duo’s personality — all while fitting into short daily breaks.
3
3
Solution
We introduced a Quick Practice Mode: a lightweight, 3-minute session accessible directly from the home screen. By focusing on short exercises, instant feedback, and streak protection, the feature reduced frustration and improved long-term retention for learners with limited time.
Solution
We introduced a Quick Practice Mode: a lightweight, 3-minute session accessible directly from the home screen. By focusing on short exercises, instant feedback, and streak protection, the feature reduced frustration and improved long-term retention for learners with limited time.
Design System
Design System
While working on Quick Practice Mode, I had to make sure the new flow felt like it truly belonged inside Duolingo. The app has a very strong identity — bright colors, playful illustrations, and Duo the owl driving most interactions. My task was to extend this system without breaking its character.
While working on Quick Practice Mode, I had to make sure the new flow felt like it truly belonged inside Duolingo. The app has a very strong identity — bright colors, playful illustrations, and Duo the owl driving most interactions. My task was to extend this system without breaking its character.
Colors
Duolingo Green remained dominant, but I introduced a softer yellow accent to signal speed and . short sessions. This created a visual distinction between regular lessons and quick practice.
Colors
Duolingo Green remained dominant, but I introduced a softer yellow accent to signal speed and . short sessions. This created a visual distinction between regular lessons and quick practice.
Typography
Duolingo Sans was kept for consistency, but I prioritized large, bold headlines and reduced text density so users could scan information in seconds.
Typography
Duolingo Sans was kept for consistency, but I prioritized large, bold headlines and reduced text density so users could scan information in seconds.
Components
I designed simplified buttons and micro-progress bars that worked for shorter lessons. Instead of long progress trackers, users saw small step indicators that matched the 3-minute flow.
Components
I designed simplified buttons and micro-progress bars that worked for shorter lessons. Instead of long progress trackers, users saw small step indicators that matched the 3-minute flow.
Mascot & Illustrations
Duo was integrated as a motivator — appearing at the start and end of Quick Practice with supportive messages. These lightweight interactions reinforced the brand’s playful voice while keeping learners engaged.
Mascot & Illustrations
Duo was integrated as a motivator — appearing at the start and end of Quick Practice with supportive messages. These lightweight interactions reinforced the brand’s playful voice while keeping learners engaged.
By adapting the existing system and adding subtle extensions, the new design stayed true to Duolingo’s personality while delivering a fresh, faster experience.
By adapting the existing system and adding subtle extensions, the new design stayed true to Duolingo’s personality while delivering a fresh, faster experience.
Typography
Typography
Typography
Clear, friendly typography is at the core of Duolingo’s design. Every font choice was made to support readability and keep the learning experience light and approachable.
Clear, friendly typography is at the core of Duolingo’s design. Every font choice was made to support readability and keep the learning experience light and approachable.
Clear, friendly typography is at the core of Duolingo’s design. Every font choice was made to support readability and keep the learning experience light and approachable.
Heading : Bold and energetic, guiding learners’ attention to the most important information.
Heading : Bold and energetic, guiding learners’ attention to the most important information.
Heading : Bold and energetic, guiding learners’ attention to the most important information.
Body : Simple and easy to follow, ensuring lessons feel clear across any device.
Body : Simple and easy to follow, ensuring lessons feel clear across any device.
Body : Simple and easy to follow, ensuring lessons feel clear across any device.
Consistency in type ensures that learners stay focused on progress, not on deciphering the interface.
Consistency in type ensures that learners stay focused on progress, not on deciphering the interface.
Consistency in type ensures that learners stay focused on progress, not on deciphering the interface.
Fonts
Fonts
Fonts
Font: 1
Font: 1
Font: 1
Feather
Feather
Feather
AaBbCc
AaBbCc
AaBbCc
Juxtaposing sleek typography with vibrant hues, the quirky zebra dances amidst carefully crafted patterns.
Juxtaposing sleek typography with vibrant hues, the quirky zebra dances amidst carefully crafted patterns.
Juxtaposing sleek typography with vibrant hues, the quirky zebra dances amidst carefully crafted patterns.
0123456789
0123456789
0123456789
Font: 2
Font: 2
Font: 2
Nunito
Nunito
Nunito
AaBbCc
AaBbCc
AaBbCc
Juxtaposing sleek typography with vibrant hues, the quirky zebra dances amidst carefully crafted patterns.
Juxtaposing sleek typography with vibrant hues, the quirky zebra dances amidst carefully crafted patterns.
Juxtaposing sleek typography with vibrant hues, the quirky zebra dances amidst carefully crafted patterns.
0123456789
0123456789
0123456789
Headings/H-1
Headings/H-1
Headings/H-1
Headings/H-2
Headings/H-2
Headings/H-2
Headings/H-3
Headings/H-3
Headings/H-3
Headings/H-4
Headings/H-4
Headings/H-4
Headings/H-5
Headings/H-5
Headings/H-5
Headings/H-6
Headings/H-6
Headings/H-6
Headings/H-7
Headings/H-7
Headings/H-7
Headings/H-8
Headings/H-8
Headings/H-8
Body/B-1
Body/B-1
Body/B-1
Body/B-2
Body/B-2
Body/B-2
Body/B-3
Body/B-3
Body/B-3
Body/B-4
Body/B-4
Body/B-4
Body/B-5
Body/B-5
Body/B-5
Body/B-6
Body/B-6
Body/B-6
Body/B-7
Body/B-7
Body/B-7
02
02
02
Components
Components
Components
Components on Design
Components on Design
Components on Design
Components on Design
Components on Design
Components on Design
6
6
6
Day streak
Day streak
Day streak
1525
1525
1525
Total XP
Total XP
Total XP
What would you like to learn?
What would you like to learn?
What would you like to learn?
one
one
one
the man
the man
the man
the cat
the cat
the cat
the boy
the boy
the boy
SECTION 1, UNIT 1
SECTION 1, UNIT 1
SECTION 1, UNIT 1
Use basic phrases
Use basic phrases
Use basic phrases
Sam
Sam
Sam
@Sam315105
@Sam315105
@Sam315105
Joint December 2024
Joint December 2024
Joint December 2024
+5
+5
+5
Courses
Courses
Courses
3
3
3
Following
Following
Following
2
2
2
Followers
Followers
Followers
Spanish
Spanish
Spanish
French
French
French
CONTINUE
CONTINUE
CONTINUE
ADD FRIENDS
ADD FRIENDS
ADD FRIENDS
GET STARTED
GET STARTED
GET STARTED
I ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNT
I ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNT
I ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNT
The free, fun, and effective
way to learn a language!
The free, fun, and effective
way to learn a language!
The free, fun, and effective
way to learn a language!
05
05
05
Components
Components
Components
Mascots Components
Mascots Components
Mascots Components
User Persona
User Persona
To better understand the challenges learners face, I developed a persona that represents a typical Duolingo user. This persona highlights the daily struggles of balancing language learning with a busy schedule, and shows where frustration often leads to dropped streaks.
By focusing on her motivations and pain points, I was able to design a practice flow that feels lighter, faster, and more rewarding — making it easier for her to stay engaged over time.
To better understand the challenges learners face, I developed a persona that represents a typical Duolingo user. This persona highlights the daily struggles of balancing language learning with a busy schedule, and shows where frustration often leads to dropped streaks.
By focusing on her motivations and pain points, I was able to design a practice flow that feels lighter, faster, and more rewarding — making it easier for her to stay engaged over time.
Sophia
Sophia
Sophia
Age
Age
Age
26
26
26
Education
Education
Education
Bachelor’s degree
Bachelor’s degree
Bachelor’s degree
Status
Status
Status
Single
Single
Single
Occupation
Occupation
Occupation
Marketing Specialist
Marketing Specialist
Marketing Specialist
Location
Location
Location
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Personality
Personality
Personality
Motivated
Motivated
Motivated
Goal-oriented
Goal-oriented
Goal-oriented
Easily frustrated by interruptions
Easily frustrated by interruptions
Easily frustrated by interruptions
I want to learn every day — but I need a way to fit it into my crazy schedule
I want to learn every day — but I need a way to fit it into my crazy schedule
I want to learn every day — but I need a way to fit it into my crazy schedule
Brief story
Brief story
Brief story
Sophia is a 26-year-old marketing specialist living in Chicago. She loves learning Spanish to connect with international clients and travel confidently. While highly motivated, her busy schedule often prevents her from completing full lessons. She usually opens Duolingo during short breaks but feels frustrated when she can’t finish on time and loses her streak.
Sophia is a 26-year-old marketing specialist living in Chicago. She loves learning Spanish to connect with international clients and travel confidently. While highly motivated, her busy schedule often prevents her from completing full lessons. She usually opens Duolingo during short breaks but feels frustrated when she can’t finish on time and loses her streak.
Sophia is a 26-year-old marketing specialist living in Chicago. She loves learning Spanish to connect with international clients and travel confidently. While highly motivated, her busy schedule often prevents her from completing full lessons. She usually opens Duolingo during short breaks but feels frustrated when she can’t finish on time and loses her streak.
Goals
Goals
Goals
Learn Spanish consistently despite a busy lifestyle
Maintain her daily streak without stress
Make progress in short bursts of time
Learn Spanish consistently despite a busy lifestyle
Maintain her daily streak without stress
Make progress in short bursts of time
Learn Spanish consistently despite a busy lifestyle
Maintain her daily streak without stress
Make progress in short bursts of time
Frustrations
Frustrations
Frustrations
Full lessons take too long during workdays
Losing streaks feels demotivating
Lack of flexible options for quick practice
Full lessons take too long during workdays
Losing streaks feels demotivating
Lack of flexible options for quick practice
Full lessons take too long during workdays
Losing streaks feels demotivating
Lack of flexible options for quick practice
Brands
Brands
Brands
User Journey Map
User Journey Map
I analyzed how learners interact with Duolingo throughout a typical day. From the first moment they open the app in the morning to the final check of their streak at night, the journey shows both motivation and frustration.
The map exposed critical drop-off points — especially when users felt they didn’t have enough time for a full lesson. It also highlighted moments of excitement when progress and rewards were clear. These insights shaped the idea of a Quick Practice Mode, designed to reduce time pressure and make daily learning more achievable.
I analyzed how learners interact with Duolingo throughout a typical day. From the first moment they open the app in the morning to the final check of their streak at night, the journey shows both motivation and frustration.
The map exposed critical drop-off points — especially when users felt they didn’t have enough time for a full lesson. It also highlighted moments of excitement when progress and rewards were clear. These insights shaped the idea of a Quick Practice Mode, designed to reduce time pressure and make daily learning more achievable.
OPPORTUNITIES
OPPORTUNITIES
OPPORTUNITIES
01
01
01
Provide faster access to Quick Practice from home screen.
Provide faster access to Quick Practice from home screen.
Provide faster access to Quick Practice from home screen.
02
02
02
Allow streak protection with short sessions.
Allow streak protection with short sessions.
Allow streak protection with short sessions.
03
03
03
Show instant rewards to keep motivation high.
Show instant rewards to keep motivation high.
Show instant rewards to keep motivation high.
04
04
04
Create lightweight progress tracking that feels achievable.
Create lightweight progress tracking that feels achievable.
Create lightweight progress tracking that feels achievable.
THOUGHTS
THOUGHTS
THOUGHTS
I want to keep my streak but I don’t have 15 minutes right now.
I want to keep my streak but I don’t have 15 minutes right now.
I want to keep my streak but I don’t have 15 minutes right now.
kipping today will make me lose progress.
kipping today will make me lose progress.
kipping today will make me lose progress.
Quick Practice is short enough, I can do this.
Quick Practice is short enough, I can do this.
Quick Practice is short enough, I can do this.
Nice! I still earned XP and kept my streak alive.
Nice! I still earned XP and kept my streak alive.
Nice! I still earned XP and kept my streak alive.
DOING
DOING
DOING
Action 1
Action 1
Action 1
Opens Duolingo before work, checks streak.
Opens Duolingo before work, checks streak.
Opens Duolingo before work, checks streak.
Action 2
Action 2
Action 2
Sees a regular lesson feels too long, hesitates to start.
Sees a regular lesson feels too long, hesitates to start.
Sees a regular lesson feels too long, hesitates to start.
Action 3
Action 3
Action 3
Switches to Quick Practice Mode, completes short session.
Switches to Quick Practice Mode, completes short session.
Switches to Quick Practice Mode, completes short session.
Action 4
Action 4
Action 4
Gets rewarded with XP and streak, ends the day satisfied.
Gets rewarded with XP and streak, ends the day satisfied.
Gets rewarded with XP and streak, ends the day satisfied.
EMOTIONS
EMOTIONS
EMOTIONS
RELIEVED
RELIEVED
RELIEVED
MOTIVATED
MOTIVATED
MOTIVATED
HOPEFUL
HOPEFUL
HOPEFUL
FRUSTRATED
FRUSTRATED
FRUSTRATED
Sophia
Sophia
Sophia
Marketing Specialist
Marketing Specialist
Marketing Specialist
Single, 26 years old
Single, 26 years old
Single, 26 years old
Chicago, Il
Chicago, Il
Chicago, Il
SCENARIO Sophia wants to keep learning Spanish while balancing her demanding job. She often struggles to complete full lessons during busy weekdays but doesn’t want to lose her streak.
SCENARIO Sophia wants to keep learning Spanish while balancing her demanding job. She often struggles to complete full lessons during busy weekdays but doesn’t want to lose her streak.
SCENARIO Sophia wants to keep learning Spanish while balancing her demanding job. She often struggles to complete full lessons during busy weekdays but doesn’t want to lose her streak.
1. Learn Spanish consistently despite limited time. 2. Maintain her daily streak without stress. 3. Feel rewarded even after short practice. 4. Fit language learning into busy routines.
1. Learn Spanish consistently despite limited time. 2. Maintain her daily streak without stress. 3. Feel rewarded even after short practice. 4. Fit language learning into busy routines.
1. Learn Spanish consistently despite limited time. 2. Maintain her daily streak without stress. 3. Feel rewarded even after short practice. 4. Fit language learning into busy routines.
GOALS
GOALS
GOALS
User Flow
User Flow
To visualize how the new Quick Practice Mode integrates into Duolingo, I mapped a simple flow showing each step of the experience. Starting from the home screen, learners can access Quick Practice in one tap, complete a short 3-minute session, and instantly receive rewards for their streak and XP.
This flow highlights how the feature reduces friction, shortens the path to practice, and ensures that users feel progress even on the busiest days.
To visualize how the new Quick Practice Mode integrates into Duolingo, I mapped a simple flow showing each step of the experience. Starting from the home screen, learners can access Quick Practice in one tap, complete a short 3-minute session, and instantly receive rewards for their streak and XP.
This flow highlights how the feature reduces friction, shortens the path to practice, and ensures that users feel progress even on the busiest days.
Start
Start
Start
Home Screen
Home Screen
Home Screen
Quick Practice Start
Quick Practice Start
Quick Practice Start
Mini Exercise
Mini Exercise
Mini Exercise
Completion Screen
Completion Screen
Completion Screen
Motivational Feedback
Motivational Feedback
Motivational Feedback
Information Architecture/User Flow
Information Architecture/User Flow
Information Architecture/User Flow
Home Screen → User opens the app and sees the new Quick Practice button.
Quick Practice Start → One tap to begin a 3-minute session.
Mini Exercise → Short set of tasks (1–2 questions with fast interactions).
Completion Screen → Shows streak continued, XP earned, gems collected.
Motivational Feedback → Duo the Owl celebrates and encourages the learner.
Home Screen → User opens the app and sees the new Quick Practice button.
Quick Practice Start → One tap to begin a 3-minute session.
Mini Exercise → Short set of tasks (1–2 questions with fast interactions).
Completion Screen → Shows streak continued, XP earned, gems collected.
Motivational Feedback → Duo the Owl celebrates and encourages the learner.
Home Screen → User opens the app and sees the new Quick Practice button.
Quick Practice Start → One tap to begin a 3-minute session.
Mini Exercise → Short set of tasks (1–2 questions with fast interactions).
Completion Screen → Shows streak continued, XP earned, gems collected.
Motivational Feedback → Duo the Owl celebrates and encourages the learner.
Low Fidelity Wireframes
Low Fidelity Wireframes
Exploring the core flow without distractions.
At this stage, I stripped the experience down to its basics to validate layout, navigation, and task flow before moving into detailed design.
Exploring the core flow without distractions.
At this stage, I stripped the experience down to its basics to validate layout, navigation, and task flow before moving into detailed design.
High Fidelity Wireframes
High Fidelity Wireframes
Bringing the vision closer to reality.
Here, I applied branding, color, and visual hierarchy to make the experience feel real and prepare the product for usability testing.
Bringing the vision closer to reality.
Here, I applied branding, color, and visual hierarchy to make the experience feel real and prepare the product for usability testing.
The free, fun, and
effective way to learn a
language!
The free, fun, and
effective way to learn a
language!
The free, fun, and
effective way to learn a
language!
get started
get started
get started
I ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNT
I ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNT
I ALREADY HAVE AN ACCOUNT
START
START
START
Tell us where you are from
Tell us where you are from
Tell us where you are from
3
3
3
565
565
565
5
5
5
PART 1, UNIT 1
PART 1, UNIT 1
PART 1, UNIT 1
Offering and receiving drinks
Offering and receiving drinks
Offering and receiving drinks
START
START
START
Tell us where you are from
Tell us where you are from
Tell us where you are from
3
3
3
565
565
565
5
5
5
PART 1, UNIT 1
PART 1, UNIT 1
PART 1, UNIT 1
Offering and receiving drinks
Offering and receiving drinks
Offering and receiving drinks
Maintain your streak
Maintain your streak
Maintain your streak
We will send you a reminder so you don't forget to practice.
We will send you a reminder so you don't forget to practice.
We will send you a reminder so you don't forget to practice.
get started
get started
get started
Not now
Not now
Not now
TOTAL XP
TOTAL XP
TOTAL XP
15
15
15
EXTRAORDINARY
EXTRAORDINARY
EXTRAORDINARY
100%
100%
100%
Perfect Score!
Perfect Score!
Perfect Score!
You didn't make a single mistake in this lesson.
You didn't make a single mistake in this lesson.
You didn't make a single mistake in this lesson.
Continue
Continue
Continue
High-Fidelity Wireframes
High-Fidelity Wireframes
High-Fidelity Wireframes
These wireframes showcase a polished version of the user journey, including branding, colors, and key UI components. Unlike low-fidelity wireframes, these focus on visual design, hierarchy, and interactions, making it easier to communicate the final product vision.
At this stage, I refined:
Branding & Style – incorporating Duolingo’s colors, typography, and illustrations.
Visual Hierarchy – ensuring important actions stand out clearly.
Interactions – simulating real navigation to validate usability.
High-fidelity wireframes helped stakeholders visualize the final product and provided a strong foundation for usability testing.
These wireframes showcase a polished version of the user journey, including branding, colors, and key UI components. Unlike low-fidelity wireframes, these focus on visual design, hierarchy, and interactions, making it easier to communicate the final product vision.
At this stage, I refined:
Branding & Style – incorporating Duolingo’s colors, typography, and illustrations.
Visual Hierarchy – ensuring important actions stand out clearly.
Interactions – simulating real navigation to validate usability.
High-fidelity wireframes helped stakeholders visualize the final product and provided a strong foundation for usability testing.
These wireframes showcase a polished version of the user journey, including branding, colors, and key UI components. Unlike low-fidelity wireframes, these focus on visual design, hierarchy, and interactions, making it easier to communicate the final product vision.
At this stage, I refined:
Branding & Style – incorporating Duolingo’s colors, typography, and illustrations.
Visual Hierarchy – ensuring important actions stand out clearly.
Interactions – simulating real navigation to validate usability.
High-fidelity wireframes helped stakeholders visualize the final product and provided a strong foundation for usability testing.
User Testing
User Testing
To validate the new Quick Practice Mode, we ran usability tests with 8 learners across different backgrounds — including students, busy professionals, and casual users. Participants were asked to complete a 3-minute practice session while thinking out loud, followed by short interviews.
What we learned:
Users instantly recognized Quick Practice as a faster alternative to regular lessons.
Streak protection was highlighted as the most motivating feature, especially for learners with tight schedules.
The simplified progress bar helped users better understand how much time remained.
Some participants wanted the streak confirmation to be more visible at the end of practice.
Outcome:
Based on these insights, I refined the completion screen to emphasize streak continuation and added a small streak badge next to XP rewards. This improved confidence and reduced frustration after each session.
To validate the new Quick Practice Mode, we ran usability tests with 8 learners across different backgrounds — including students, busy professionals, and casual users. Participants were asked to complete a 3-minute practice session while thinking out loud, followed by short interviews.
What we learned:
Users instantly recognized Quick Practice as a faster alternative to regular lessons.
Streak protection was highlighted as the most motivating feature, especially for learners with tight schedules.
The simplified progress bar helped users better understand how much time remained.
Some participants wanted the streak confirmation to be more visible at the end of practice.
Outcome:
Based on these insights, I refined the completion screen to emphasize streak continuation and added a small streak badge next to XP rewards. This improved confidence and reduced frustration after each session.
Feedback Summary
Feedback Summary
After presenting the high-fidelity prototype of the Quick Practice Mode, we gathered feedback from a diverse group of learners — including students, busy professionals, and casual users. Their insights were crucial in evaluating overall satisfaction, highlighting motivational drivers, and pinpointing areas where clarity and personalization could be improved. This feedback directly informed the next design iterations, ensuring the experience better aligned with users’ needs.
After presenting the high-fidelity prototype of the Quick Practice Mode, we gathered feedback from a diverse group of learners — including students, busy professionals, and casual users. Their insights were crucial in evaluating overall satisfaction, highlighting motivational drivers, and pinpointing areas where clarity and personalization could be improved. This feedback directly informed the next design iterations, ensuring the experience better aligned with users’ needs.
Final Designs
Final Designs
The final designs bring the Quick Practice Mode to life inside Duolingo. By combining the brand’s playful identity with a faster, simplified flow, the feature helps learners stay consistent even on their busiest days.
Key improvements included:
One-tap access to Quick Practice directly from the home screen.
3-minute sessions with lightweight exercises and micro-progress bars.
Clear rewards at the end of each session — XP, streak protection, and gems.
Motivational feedback from Duo the Owl to reinforce progress.
These designs balance usability with Duolingo’s fun personality, making daily learning feel both achievable and engaging.
The final designs bring the Quick Practice Mode to life inside Duolingo. By combining the brand’s playful identity with a faster, simplified flow, the feature helps learners stay consistent even on their busiest days.
Key improvements included:
One-tap access to Quick Practice directly from the home screen.
3-minute sessions with lightweight exercises and micro-progress bars.
Clear rewards at the end of each session — XP, streak protection, and gems.
Motivational feedback from Duo the Owl to reinforce progress.
These designs balance usability with Duolingo’s fun personality, making daily learning feel both achievable and engaging.
Final Solution: A Clearer, Friendlier Duolingo Experience
Final Solution: A Clearer, Friendlier Duolingo Experience
The redesigned flow simplified the learning journey for users. By reducing clutter, improving navigation between lessons, and surfacing progress tracking upfront, learners could move through exercises more smoothly. Clearer visual hierarchy, refined icons, and stronger contrast improved accessibility, while consistent interactions lowered cognitive load.
The redesigned flow simplified the learning journey for users. By reducing clutter, improving navigation between lessons, and surfacing progress tracking upfront, learners could move through exercises more smoothly. Clearer visual hierarchy, refined icons, and stronger contrast improved accessibility, while consistent interactions lowered cognitive load.
Outcome & Impact
Outcome & Impact
Usability testing with 8 participants (mix of beginners and active Duolingo users) showed measurable improvements:
Lesson navigation: Task completion improved by 28%, with users finding lessons faster.
Progress tracking: 90% of participants clearly understood their daily streak and XP goals (vs. 65% before).
Exercise completion: Error rates in task flow dropped by 25%.
Overall clarity: Users described the redesign as “cleaner” and “less overwhelming.”
Satisfaction score: Increased from 3.4 → 4.7/5.
Usability testing with 8 participants (mix of beginners and active Duolingo users) showed measurable improvements:
Lesson navigation: Task completion improved by 28%, with users finding lessons faster.
Progress tracking: 90% of participants clearly understood their daily streak and XP goals (vs. 65% before).
Exercise completion: Error rates in task flow dropped by 25%.
Overall clarity: Users described the redesign as “cleaner” and “less overwhelming.”
Satisfaction score: Increased from 3.4 → 4.7/5.
Impact
Impact
By leading the redesign process from early sketches to high-fidelity mockups, I created a simplified learning journey that reduced user frustration and increased engagement. Multiple testing rounds helped validate design changes and refine the flow before final implementation.
This process not only improved Duolingo’s learning experience but also gave me hands-on experience with rapid iteration, usability testing, and presenting results in a measurable way.
By leading the redesign process from early sketches to high-fidelity mockups, I created a simplified learning journey that reduced user frustration and increased engagement. Multiple testing rounds helped validate design changes and refine the flow before final implementation.
This process not only improved Duolingo’s learning experience but also gave me hands-on experience with rapid iteration, usability testing, and presenting results in a measurable way.
What I learned
What I learned
Clarity over complexity: Simplifying the lesson path made the app easier for both beginners and advanced learners.
Microcopy matters: Small changes in labels (like “Continue lesson” instead of “Start”) improved understanding.
Consistency builds trust: Keeping icons, buttons, and progress indicators consistent across screens reduced confusion.
Test early, test often: Even low-fi prototypes gave valuable feedback before moving into polished visuals.
Accessibility = inclusivity: Adjusting colors, contrasts, and touch targets improved usability across all devices.
Clarity over complexity: Simplifying the lesson path made the app easier for both beginners and advanced learners.
Microcopy matters: Small changes in labels (like “Continue lesson” instead of “Start”) improved understanding.
Consistency builds trust: Keeping icons, buttons, and progress indicators consistent across screens reduced confusion.
Test early, test often: Even low-fi prototypes gave valuable feedback before moving into polished visuals.
Accessibility = inclusivity: Adjusting colors, contrasts, and touch targets improved usability across all devices.
Next Project
Next Project