A Gamified Language Learning Experience
Nanthakumar M
A Gamified Language Learning Experience
Nova is a mobile learning platform designed to make language acquisition engaging and habit-forming. By utilizing micro-lessons and visual rewards, the app helps users master complex languages (like Spanish) through a structured, interactive curriculum. The goal was to create an interface that feels energetic, encouraging, and easy to navigate during short study sessions.
🔍 The Challenge
The biggest hurdle in EdTech is user retention. Most learners drop off after the first week due to a lack of visible progress or overwhelming lesson structures. My goal was to design a UI that:
Celebrates small wins immediately.
Provides clear, visual indicators of long-term progress.
Simplifies the "Next Step" to reduce decision fatigue.
🎨 Key Design Features
1. High-Impact Celebration States
The "Lesson Complete" screen (left mobile view) uses confetti visuals and bright, contrasting buttons.
The Logic: By using a "Show Points" action before "Take Next," I reinforce the reward loop, making the user feel a sense of achievement before asking them to continue.
2. Visual Progress Dashboard
The central home screen features a "Your Progress" tracker with an integrated heart/streak system.
User Centricity: I designed the "In-Lessons" cards (Word Smart, Verb Master) with distinct icons to help users mentally categorize their learning areas at a glance.
3. The "Course Selector" Sidebar
The right-hand view shows a clear hierarchy of lessons with a circular "Day Streak" tracker.
Design Decision: I used a 0–100 day progress ring to provide a "Macro View" of the journey, helping users stay motivated by showing how far they've come in their 60-day milestone.
4. Minimalist Lesson Navigation
The persistent "Continue" button at the bottom of the lesson list ensures that the user never has to scroll to find where they left off.
💡 Results & Impact
Increased Engagement: The streak-based visual system encourages daily logins.
Reduced Friction: A simplified "Next Lesson" architecture ensures users spend more time learning and less time navigating menus.
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Posted Jan 3, 2026
Nova is a mobile learning platform designed to make language acquisition engaging and habit-forming
