ChinEasy —
a language learning app

UX/UI case study

This language learning app development case study answers the crucial question:
how to design a user-centric, visually appealing, and engaging mobile/web application.

M-learning
Industry
2 specialists
Team size
China
Location
1 month
Project duration

[ Business goals and context ]

The two-fold goal of this project was to craft:

A unique learning experience for young Chinese language learners

The mobile app should provide children with a highly engaging and effective learning method, making the daunting journey of learning Mandarin Chinese fun and enthralling, akin to an adventure.

An original and memorable brand identity that resonates with children and parents alike

The app’s visual identity, including logo design, color palette, typography, and iconography, should align with its playful and educational nature.

[ Product scope ]

The Onix design team was tasked with:

Creating the M-learning app’s user experience (UX) and user interface (UI)

Developing the brand identity for a language learning service

Designing motion graphics for the app

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Project phases

Market research and analysis

The team conducted in-depth market research to understand the demand for language-learning apps targeting children. For this purpose, they

﹂ Analyzed competitor apps to identify their strengths, weaknesses, unique features, and opportunities for differentiation in the market

﹂ Analyzed the competitors’ audiences

﹂ Explored current trends in gamified education and language learning

﹂ Conducted research for visual direction selection

User persona development

Firstly, the team obtained insights into the target audience's needs, preferences, pain points, and motivations. This information helped them to create detailed user personas representing young Chinese language learners and their parents.

Product concept development for the learning app

A cross-functional team held brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas for the app's features and design and prioritize concepts based on feasibility, uniqueness, and potential impact on the users, learning outcomes, and the business.

Then, the designers created a mood board, wireframes, and sketches visualizing the app’s layout, user flow, and key interactions. This step helped map out the app's structure and user journey.

Mobile app UX/UI and digital character design

The designers employed an iterative approach to create the layouts, transitions, and visual elements of the mobile and web versions of ChinEasy. The results of the earlier research helped ensure that the design would be modern, appealing, and aligned with user expectations and needs.

The team worked closely with educators, language experts, content creators, and software developers to ensure a holistic and cohesive approach to design. Regular feedback allowed for quick adjustments.

Language-learning service branding development

Simultaneously with the learning mobile app UX/UI design, the team created the logo and brand identity. They built ChinEasy’s brand identity around the “Fantastic Four” – funny but functional companion characters. Vibrant app colors were selected, and icons were created according to the brand style guide compiled by Onix.

ChinEasy logo development went through three stages: concept mood board, logo and symbol creation, and visualization.

Prototyping and user testing

The designers developed interactive prototypes incorporating the app's key features and user interactions. These prototypes were used for user testing to gather feedback on usability, intuitiveness, and overall user experience quality. Onix’s experts ensured that the design adhered to the best usability and accessibility practices to make the mobile and web apps inclusive and easy to navigate for all users.

User feedback was used throughout several design iterations to make adjustments that enhance user engagement, clarity, and ease of use.

UI design refinement in cooperation with programmers

Throughout the proper app development phase, the design team kept in touch with the programmers and the product owner, incorporating their expertise to ensure the feasibility of design solutions.

They continuously refined the design based on their feedback, user testing, team discussions, and evolving project goals.

This included creating layouts that accommodated different screen sizes and devices while maintaining consistency.

Mobile and web app design solutions

01 Intuitive onboarding and user flow

The team created a seamless onboarding process that guides users through setting up their profiles, selecting their learning goals, and customizing their learning experience.

Straightforward and intuitive navigation ensures a smooth user journey.

07 Multimedia content integration

Videos and photos provide insights into China’s culture, history, and traditions. Virtual tours and interactive cultural activities should further immerse the learners in the Chinese context.

02 Dynamic language exercises

The exercises were designed to adapt to users' proficiency levels and adjust to their performance. This helps ensure a challenging yet manageable learning experience.

Onix’s designers created interactive components, animations, and transitions that added a sense of interactivity and delight to the learning experience.

08 Discussion boards and chats

A user-friendly interface helps interact with fellow learners, share their achievements, and participate in language challenges while fostering a sense of community and support among the app users.

03 Visual vocabulary builder

The design team created images, illustrations, and contextual examples that reinforce word meanings and improve retention.

09 Visual language-learning pathways

Onix’s experts designed interactive learning pathways visually representing a user’s progress through different language levels. This gives users a clear sense of achievement and motivates them to advance.

04 Interactive pronunciation practice

Voice recognition technology enables the app to provide real-time feedback on users' pronunciation. Visual aids, such as mouth position diagrams, were designed to help users master accurate pronunciation.

10 Personalized dashboard

Users can view their learning progress, achievements, and areas for improvement and set goals.

05 Digital companions

The captivating and memorable colorful characters act as teachers and companions to the young learners within the app. They are always ready to offer assistance and guidance at every learning juncture and facilitate education and entertainment through games. This approach simplifies and enriches the process of learning Chinese and enhances user engagement and motivation while alleviating parents’ concerns about their children’s progress and development.

11 Customization features

The app allows customizing preferences, such as font size, color schemes, and background themes, to create a more comfortable learning environment.

06 Gamification

The app includes a gamified system of challenges, quizzes, and rewards that incentivize users to engage with the app and complete language learning milestones consistently.

Onix’s team designed and implemented gamification elements, such as badges, rewards, and progress tracking, to enhance user engagement and motivation.

M-learning app brand development solutions

«The Fantastic Four» should make the learning experience more engaging and enjoyable for kids

The brand style includes four animated characters, one for each of the four aspects of learning Chinese: pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and hieroglyphics.

Designed as in-app assistants and companions, each character has a name, possesses corresponding abilities, is featured in a number of episodes, and can change its size depending on emotions.

This solution makes the learning experience more engaging and enjoyable for kids.

Emotional color coding

Vibrant colors convey a cheerful mood and attract the kids’ attention. They also reflect the characters' emotions:

These carefully selected colors, reflecting the app's playful yet educational nature, contribute to the joy of using the app and language learning.

Orange

#FF7A00

signifies anger, but not as intense as red

Green

#68B506

happiness and joy

Pink

#FF3181

dreamy and enigmatic

Purple

#9347DD

friendly, shy, and modest

Modern user-friendly typography

A font with rounded letters that looks playful yet restrained

Logo

The font was illustrated in the logo, integrating the «Crazy Four» characters’ eyes into the letters to give the logo a unique dynamic look.

Designers’ instruments

Figma,

Adobe Illustrator,

Adobe Photoshop

Results

During the product discovery stage, Onix’s design team played a crucial role in shaping the overall language-learning app’s vision and developing its functional and visual aspects.

Then, they designed a brand style guide, a user-centric app experience, and interfaces that balanced aesthetics and functionality.

The resulting ChinEasy app forms a comprehensive learning ecosystem, covering all language aspects from basics to advanced proficiency while unraveling the cultural nuances of China.

The app’s gamified style turns each step into an exciting quest.

The chosen approaches and solutions set ChinEasy apart from other language learning platforms.