Lua: Learn a Language by Reading the Web
Dsignable
Overview
Lua is contextual language learning while you browse. The v2 rebuild is a Manifest V3 Chrome extension that swaps words on the pages you read into your target language, easiest first, then phrases, as you prove you know them. Around it: an onboarding flow that places you in about two minutes, a Firebase backend (Auth, Cloud Functions, Firestore rules) and the learnwithlua.com marketing site. Select-to-look-up (translation, meaning, example) covers fifteen languages and is rolling out with the next extension release.
Our role: Lead Designer & Developer (2025–2026)
The challenge
Language apps isolate vocabulary from the articles and emails where people actually meet new words, which is why retention fades.
What we built
We rebuilt Lua so the page you are already reading becomes the lesson: words swap in place, easiest first, and move on only when you have shown you know them.
Chrome Extension (Manifest V3)
Progressive Word & Phrase Replacement Engine
Onboarding & Placement Flow
Firebase Auth, Cloud Functions & Firestore Rules
Marketing Site (Astro, WebGL, GSAP)
Results
4 Levels Working Today
371 Vetted Spanish Word & Phrase Entries
15 Languages in the Lookup Engine
113 Automated Tests
Links
Live: learnwithlua.com
Full case study: dsignable.com/work/lua
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Posted Oct 29, 2026
Learn a language by reading the web: a Chrome extension swaps words on pages you already read into the language you're learning, easiest first.
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