Building My Ssaem mobile apps for better learning experience
Building My Ssaem mobile apps for better learning experience
Building My Ssaem mobile apps for better learning experience
Building My Ssaem mobile apps for better learning experience
Learning a new language is often repetitive and lacks context. My Ssaem bridges the gap between entertainment and education, allowing users to learn Korean naturally through the K-Pop, K-Dramas, and Webtoons they already love.
Learning a new language is often repetitive and lacks context. My Ssaem bridges the gap between entertainment and education, allowing users to learn Korean naturally through the K-Pop, K-Dramas, and Webtoons they already love.





Company
Company
My Ssaem
My Ssaem
Role
Role
Product / Visual Designer
Product / Visual Designer
Scope
Scope
Research, Design System, Product & Visual Design
Research, Design System, Product & Visual Design
Period
Period
2022 - 2023
2022 - 2023
The Challenges
The Challenges
My Ssaem was born out of a simple observation: most Korean learning apps focus heavily on memorization but fail to teach the nuance of how the language is actually used in daily life.
In this project, I challenged myself to design a learning experience that feels less like a textbook and more like a journey. By integrating cultural insights directly into language lessons, My Ssaem aims to increase learner retention and make the road to fluency genuinely enjoyable.
My Ssaem was born out of a simple observation: most Korean learning apps focus heavily on memorization but fail to teach the nuance of how the language is actually used in daily life.
In this project, I challenged myself to design a learning experience that feels less like a textbook and more like a journey. By integrating cultural insights directly into language lessons, My Ssaem aims to increase learner retention and make the road to fluency genuinely enjoyable.
01
01
How can we transform passive media consumption into active language learning?
How can we transform passive media consumption into active language learning?
Users already watch K-content for hours; the challenge was turning that screen time into a productive learning session without killing the fun.
Users already watch K-content for hours; the challenge was turning that screen time into a productive learning session without killing the fun.
02
02
How do we solve the "lack of context" in traditional learning apps?
How do we solve the "lack of context" in traditional learning apps?
Flashcards teach words, but not nuance. We needed a way to show how phrases are actually used in real-life (or dramatic) situations.
Flashcards teach words, but not nuance. We needed a way to show how phrases are actually used in real-life (or dramatic) situations.
03
03
How can we build a daily habit for self-taught learners?
How can we build a daily habit for self-taught learners?
Without a classroom structure, self-learners drop out quickly. We needed retention triggers that felt rewarding, not like homework.
Without a classroom structure, self-learners drop out quickly. We needed retention triggers that felt rewarding, not like homework.
Design Process
Design Process
User Interviews
User Interviews
To identify why learners quit traditional apps.
To identify why learners quit traditional apps.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Analyze competitors to find gaps in engagement.
Analyze competitors to find gaps in engagement.
Persona Creation
Persona Creation
Focus on culturally influenced learning behaviors.
Focus on culturally influenced learning behaviors.
Sketching & Wireframing
Sketching & Wireframing
Draw the core flows (Vocab & Grammar, Quiz, Dictionary).
Draw the core flows (Vocab & Grammar, Quiz, Dictionary).
Mid-Fi Prototyping
Mid-Fi Prototyping
To test navigation, direction and content discovery.
To test navigation, direction and content discovery.
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
To validate the "Learning from Clips" concept.
To validate the "Learning from Clips" concept.
User Interviews
To identify why learners quit traditional apps.
Competitive Analysis
Analyze competitors to find gaps in engagement.
Sketching & Wireframing
Draw the core flows (Vocab & Grammar, Quiz, Dictionary).
Persona Creation
Focus on culturally influenced learning behaviors.
Mid-Fi Prototyping
To test navigation, direction and content discovery.
Usability Testing
To validate the "Learning from Clips" concept.
Design Process
User Interviews
To identify why learners quit traditional apps.
Competitive Analysis
Analyze competitors to find gaps in engagement.
Sketching & Wireframing
Draw the core flows (Vocab & Grammar, Quiz, Dictionary).
Persona Creation
Focus on culturally influenced learning behaviors.
Mid-Fi Prototyping
To test navigation, direction and content discovery.
Usability Testing
To validate the "Learning from Clips" concept.
The Strategy
The Strategy
Contextual Immersion: Instead of forcing users to memorize lists, we used "Entertainment-First Learning", presenting the fun clip first to grab attention, then breaking down the grammar and vocabulary within that specific context.
Contextual Immersion: Instead of forcing users to memorize lists, we used "Entertainment-First Learning", presenting the fun clip first to grab attention, then breaking down the grammar and vocabulary within that specific context.
User Interview
User Interview
First things first, I conducted a competitive and feature analysis of the Korean learning platforms in the market. Then, I surveyed and interviewed language learners to gain insight into their motivation and pain points. Here is my research plan. I conducted 3 user interviews, and though I wish I had more participants, I still gained a lot of insights into the language learning experience.
First things first, I conducted a competitive and feature analysis of the Korean learning platforms in the market. Then, I surveyed and interviewed language learners to gain insight into their motivation and pain points. Here is my research plan. I conducted 3 user interviews, and though I wish I had more participants, I still gained a lot of insights into the language learning experience.


Age: 24
Occupation: Graphic Designer
Location: Surabaya, ID
Age: 24
Occupation: Graphic Designer
Location: Surabaya, ID
Participant #1
โI love learning about culture and languages. Iโm also good at learning them too.โ
โI love learning about culture and languages. Iโm also good at learning them too.โ
Knows 6 different languages
Study with textbook as a base, with tutor and audio dialogues.
Duolingo is only good for vocab. Books, 1 won't know how to actually speak
Learning about the structure of a sentence in Korean is difficult. I might find success in a classroom setting
Learning with comic books are cheap and fun!
Listen to Russian and Turkish music
Knows 6 different languages
Study with textbook as a base, with tutor and audio dialogues.
Duolingo is only good for vocab. Books, 1 won't know how to actually speak
Learning about the structure of a sentence in Korean is difficult. I might find success in a classroom setting
Learning with comic books are cheap and fun!
Listen to Russian and Turkish music


Age: 25
Occupation: Master's Student & Socmed Specialist
Location: Surabaya, ID
Age: 25
Occupation: Master's Student & Socmed Specialist
Location: Surabaya, ID
Participant #2
"I want to communicate with my friends who feel more comfortable at speaking Korean.โ
"I want to communicate with my friends who feel more comfortable at speaking Korean.โ
Attended Korean school, talk to family and relatives, watch Korean dramas and listen to Kpop
Hardest part is understanding what people are saying. Not familiar with words
Surrounded by Korean community
Text friends in Korean to learn & immerse
Want to Travel to Korea
Attended Korean school, talk to family and relatives, watch Korean dramas and listen to Kpop
Hardest part is understanding what people are saying. Not familiar with words
Surrounded by Korean community
Text friends in Korean to learn & immerse
Want to Travel to Korea


Age: 27
Occupation: Designer
Location: Yogyakarta, ID
Age: 27
Occupation: Designer
Location: Yogyakarta, ID
Participant #3
"Iโd been exposed to many cultures from young age. I love being able to express myself in many waysโ
"Iโd been exposed to many cultures from young age. I love being able to express myself in many waysโ
Knows 3 languages
Easy to make Duolingo a habit
Used Duolingo for more than a year, but don't know how effective it is.
Want to travel to Korea โข Use Merrise to hear native people talking. not an Al.
Don't know a way to check my level of progress
Knows 3 languages
Easy to make Duolingo a habit
Used Duolingo for more than a year, but don't know how effective it is.
Want to travel to Korea โข Use Merrise to hear native people talking. not an Al.
Don't know a way to check my level of progress
Users now want to move away from the traditional way of studying a language from a book and choose a more immersive way to learn. This adds to the survey findings that many people opt for mobile apps as they are learning a new language.
Users now want to move away from the traditional way of studying a language from a book and choose a more immersive way to learn. This adds to the survey findings that many people opt for mobile apps as they are learning a new language.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
I looked at both direct and indirect competitors of Korean teaching platforms. Many apps are geared towards beginners and are being used to supplement the userโs study. HelloTalk is great for practicing, Duolingo for vocabulary, and Teuida for dialogues.
I looked at both direct and indirect competitors of Korean teaching platforms. Many apps are geared towards beginners and are being used to supplement the userโs study. HelloTalk is great for practicing, Duolingo for vocabulary, and Teuida for dialogues.
Direct Competitors
Direct Competitors

Cake
Cake
Learning from short clips of Korean videos.
Learning from short clips of Korean videos.
Strength
Strength
Real-life, bite-sized expressions
Easy and engaging for beginners
Real-life, bite-sized expressions
Easy and engaging for beginners
Weakness
Weakness
No structured learning path
Limited long-term depth
No structured learning path
Limited long-term depth

Teuida
Teuida
Practice through guided video-based interaction.
Practice through guided video-based interaction.
Strength
Strength
Strong speaking confidence training
Practical, scenario-based practice
Strong speaking confidence training
Practical, scenario-based practice
Weakness
Weakness
Speaking-only focus
Minimal grammar coverage
Speaking-only focus
Minimal grammar coverage

Eggbun
Eggbun
Conversational through chatbot-style interaction.
Conversational through chatbot-style interaction.
Strength
Strength
Friendly, conversational learning
Low learning barrier
Friendly, conversational learning
Low learning barrier
Weakness
Weakness
Shallow content depth
Limited progression
Shallow content depth
Limited progression

LingoDeer
LingoDeer
Structured learning with strong foundations.
Structured learning with strong foundations.
Strength
Strength
Clear lesson structure
Strong grammar explanations
Clear lesson structure
Strong grammar explanations
Weakness
Weakness
Low interaction
Less conversational practice
Low interaction
Less conversational practice
Indirect Competitors
Indirect Competitors
Duolingo
Duolingo
Gamified language learning and habit formation.
Gamified language learning and habit formation.
Strength
Strength
Highly engaging and motivating
Strong daily habit building
Highly engaging and motivating
Strong daily habit building
Weakness
Weakness
Weak grammar depth
Limited real-world speaking
Weak grammar depth
Limited real-world speaking

HelloTalk
HelloTalk
Language exchange with native speakers.
Language exchange with native speakers.
Strength
Strength
Real conversations with natives
Strong community aspect
Real conversations with natives
Strong community aspect
Weakness
Weakness
No structured curriculum
Learning quality varies
No structured curriculum
Learning quality varies

Babbel
Babbel
Practical language skills for real-life conversations.
Practical language skills for real-life conversations.
Strength
Strength
Practical, structured lessons
High content quality
Practical, structured lessons
High content quality
Weakness
Weakness
Less engaging UX
Limited community features
Less engaging UX
Limited community features

Busuu
Busuu
Guided lessons combined with feedback.
Guided lessons combined with feedback.
Strength
Strength
Native speaker feedback
Balanced lesson approach
Native speaker feedback
Balanced lesson approach
Weakness
Weakness
Inconsistent feedback quality
Limited advanced content
Inconsistent feedback quality
Limited advanced content
Persona Creation
Persona Creation
In the second step of the design process, I will be creating a persona, an empathy map, and finally coming up with a problem statement. Creating personas is a way to imagine who I would be designing for. I listed the goals & needs, motivation, and fear & frustrations.
In the second step of the design process, I will be creating a persona, an empathy map, and finally coming up with a problem statement. Creating personas is a way to imagine who I would be designing for. I listed the goals & needs, motivation, and fear & frustrations.
Meet Julia. She lives in Surabaya, Indonesia, and loves everything about Korean culture and language.
Meet Julia. She lives in Surabaya, Indonesia, and loves everything about Korean culture and language.



Julia
25 years old
Surabaya, Indonesia
Professional
Personality
Extrovert, Curious, Adventurous, Observant, Spontaneous
Brand Affiliations
Youtube, Duolingo, Netflix, Webtoon, Naver, Apple
Story
Julia is Chinese Indonesian kid born and raised in Indonesia, and she traveled a lot. She took Japanese and Mandarin in high school but didn't feel a connection to the languages. In college, she had a lot of Korean friends and was exposed to Korean culture and the language. Even after college, she likes to read Webtoon and watch K-drama. She especially likes BTS.
Personality
Extrovert, Curious, Adventurous, Observant, Spontaneous
Motivation
Korean language is very expressive and emotional
Love watching Korean dramas
Wish to travel to Korea
Understand and converse with Korean friends
Goals & Needs
Watch K-dramas without subtitles
Read webtoons without waiting for the translated version
Communicate with Korean friends on a casual basis
Want a good travel experience
Fear & Frustrations
Translations don't portray the same dialogue
Korean is easy to learn the alphabet but a difficult language and sentence structure
Duolingo is great, but it's not teaching me structure. Just words and phrases.
Hard to follow a study routine
Not in Korea so I'm not struggling or forced to learn
Brand Affiliations
Youtube, Duolingo, Netflix, Webtoon, Naver, Apple


Julia
25 years old
Surabaya, Indonesia
Professional
Story
Julia is Chinese Indonesian kid born and raised in Indonesia, and she traveled a lot. She took Japanese and Mandarin in high school but didn't feel a connection to the languages. In college, she had a lot of Korean friends and was exposed to Korean culture and the language. Even after college, she likes to read Webtoon and watch K-drama. She especially likes BTS.
Brand Affiliations
Youtube, Duolingo, Netflix, Webtoon, Naver, Apple
Personality
Extrovert, Curious, Adventurous, Observant, Spontaneous
Motivation
Korean language is very expressive and emotional
Love watching Korean dramas
Wish to travel to Korea
Understand and converse with Korean friends
Goals & Needs
Watch K-dramas without subtitles
Read webtoons without waiting for the translated version
Communicate with Korean friends on a casual basis
Want a good travel experience
Fear & Frustrations
Translations don't portray the same dialogue
Korean is easy to learn the alphabet but a difficult language and sentence structure
Duolingo is great, but it's not teaching me structure. Just words and phrases.
Hard to follow a study routine
Not in Korea so I'm not struggling or forced to learn
Empathy Map
Empathy Map
What does a typical day look like for Julia? What does she value and think about? How are her actions different โ or the same as her thoughts?
What does a typical day look like for Julia? What does she value and think about? How are her actions different โ or the same as her thoughts?
Seeing
Unfamiliar words
I love watching Korean dramas and tv shows
I follow celebrities on instagram
My friends are talking to each other in Korean
Webtoon translations suck and they take forever to translate. I'm so behind
Doing
Watch Korean drama
Hang out/chill with friends
Instagram post by Korean celebrity I follow
Relaxing on my couch watching Netflix!
Duolingo - review for 5 min
Read translated Webtoons
Thinking & Feeling
When will I become fluent? (inadequate)
What drama should I watch next? (enjoyment)
What does that word mean? (overwhelmed)
Omg I know that word! Maybe I did improve (confidence)
I don't know what to say at all ... I'm so bad after all (insecure)
When will I become fluent? (inadequate)
What drama should I watch next? (enjoyment)
What does that word mean? (overwhelmed)
Omg I know that word! Maybe I did improve (confidence)
I don't know what to say at all ... I'm so bad after all (insecure)


Hearing
I can pick up some words while watching Korean drama
Friends say Korean words I can't understand
Listen to BTS songs and singing along English verse
A friend translates for me
"Are you Korean?" or someone speaks to me in Korean right away
Pains
Why is it so hard to set a routine and follow through?
Feeling embarrassed when I'm wrong
Lack of conversing with my friends
Motivation wanes
I don't have enough time especially with work
I don't feel forced to Learn Korean.
Gains
Become more knowledgable
Memory improvement
Satisfaction of learning something new
Deepen connection to Korean culture
Gain perspective
Travel to Korea, read and understand words
Read and watch without subtitles and bad transtations
Julia wants to learn Korean to consume Korean media without subtitles and have casual conversations with her friends. Although she finds joy in learning and understanding, she is embarrassed when sheโs wrong and feels insecure.
Julia wants to learn Korean to consume Korean media without subtitles and have casual conversations with her friends. Although she finds joy in learning and understanding, she is embarrassed when sheโs wrong and feels insecure.


Julia
25 years old
Surabaya, Indonesia
Professional
Story
Julia is Chinese Indonesian kid born and raised in Indonesia, and she traveled a lot. She took Japanese and Mandarin in high school but didn't feel a connection to the languages. In college, she had a lot of Korean friends and was exposed to Korean culture and the language. Even after college, she likes to read Webtoon and watch K-drama. She especially likes BTS.
Brand Affiliations
Youtube, Duolingo, Netflix, Webtoon, Naver, Apple
Personality
Extrovert, Curious, Adventurous, Observant, Spontaneous
Motivation
Korean language is very expressive and emotional
Love watching Korean dramas
Wish to travel to Korea
Understand and converse with Korean friends
Goals & Needs
Watch K-dramas without subtitles
Read webtoons without waiting for the translated version
Communicate with Korean friends on a casual basis
Want a good travel experience
Fear & Frustrations
Translations don't portray the same dialogue
Korean is easy to learn the alphabet but a difficult language and sentence structure
Duolingo is great, but it's not teaching me structure. Just words and phrases.
Hard to follow a study routine
Not in Korea so I'm not struggling or forced to learn
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
After the research phase, I can deduce that the users need help keeping a routine and want to learn a language the non-traditional way.
After the research phase, I can deduce that the users need help keeping a routine and want to learn a language the non-traditional way.
01
01
How might we help people build structure and context of the Korean language while keeping them engaged?
How might we help people build structure and context of the Korean language while keeping them engaged?
02
02
How might we help people who struggle to learn Korean accomplish their goals?
How might we help people who struggle to learn Korean accomplish their goals?
03
03
How might we increase engagement and interaction with Korean learning on a daily basis?
How might we increase engagement and interaction with Korean learning on a daily basis?
In the most creative step of the design process, I came up with solutions and created an information architecture. Followed by that are sketches, mid-fidelity wireframes, usability testing, and a UI kit.
In the most creative step of the design process, I came up with solutions and created an information architecture. Followed by that are sketches, mid-fidelity wireframes, usability testing, and a UI kit.
Key Solutions
Key Solutions
Gamified Roadmap Journey
Gamified Roadmap Journey
We transformed the curriculum into an interactive visual roadmap. By using a path-based progression with unlockable levels and "checkpoints," we provide users with a clear sense of advancement and a goal-oriented learning experience.
We transformed the curriculum into an interactive visual roadmap. By using a path-based progression with unlockable levels and "checkpoints," we provide users with a clear sense of advancement and a goal-oriented learning experience.
Cultural Context Cards (Tahukah kamu?)
Cultural Context Cards (Tahukah kamu?)
To move beyond simple vocabulary, we integrated "Fun Fact" pop-ups and cultural context cards. These explain the real-world usage and history behind Korean phrases, providing the cultural nuance that traditional learning apps often miss.
To move beyond simple vocabulary, we integrated "Fun Fact" pop-ups and cultural context cards. These explain the real-world usage and history behind Korean phrases, providing the cultural nuance that traditional learning apps often miss.
Daily Streak & Reward System
Daily Streak & Reward System
To build consistent habits, we implemented a daily check-in system linked to XP rewards and virtual gift boxes. This encourages daily interaction through positive reinforcement, helping users maintain their learning momentum.
To build consistent habits, we implemented a daily check-in system linked to XP rewards and virtual gift boxes. This encourages daily interaction through positive reinforcement, helping users maintain their learning momentum.
Interactive Video Player
Interactive Video Player
The core learning engine. Users watch a clip, and the subtitles are interactive. Tapping a word pauses the video and pulls up the definition, grammar usage, and pronunciation, creating seamless context.
The core learning engine. Users watch a clip, and the subtitles are interactive. Tapping a word pauses the video and pulls up the definition, grammar usage, and pronunciation, creating seamless context.
Information Architecture
Information Architecture
In the most creative step of the design process, I came up with solutions and created an information architecture. Followed by that are sketches, mid-fidelity wireframes, usability testing, and a UI kit.
In the most creative step of the design process, I came up with solutions and created an information architecture. Followed by that are sketches, mid-fidelity wireframes, usability testing, and a UI kit.





Sketches & Wireframe
Sketches & Wireframe
Alongside the information architecture, I sketched my ideas on my iPad, keeping in mind the userโs pain points and motivations. From sketches to mid-fidelity screens, I started by laying out all the pages I needed to design for the three journeys. I blocked out sections for each element and did my detailed work.
Alongside the information architecture, I sketched my ideas on my iPad, keeping in mind the userโs pain points and motivations. From sketches to mid-fidelity screens, I started by laying out all the pages I needed to design for the three journeys. I blocked out sections for each element and did my detailed work.





Usability Testing
Usability Testing
I conducted usability testing with 6 participants over Google Meet, each lasting about 30 minutes.
The objective of the test:
Observe if users can accomplish the specified task. If they make a mistake, can they recover?
Identify areas of the app that require a change to improve user performance and satisfaction
The objective of the test:
Observe if users can accomplish the specified task. If they make a mistake, can they recover?
Identify areas of the app that require a change to improve user performance and satisfaction
With the provided feedback, I created revisions to fill the gap between my understanding of the users and what the users experienced.
With the provided feedback, I created revisions to fill the gap between my understanding of the users and what the users experienced.










Final Design & Prototype
Final Design & Prototype
What kind of feeling do I want users to experience while using My Ssaem? The primary color blue is associated with ambition and creativity and the secondary color tangerine is associated with enjoyment and enthusiasm. These two are the primary colors used in My Ssaem. I use the Noto Sans KR font, a sans-serif font that has a modern visual and can accommodate the needs of the Korean Hangeul letters.
After the design system release for design teams, we socialize them to use the component library for their ongoing and next project. Also, for read all the component guidelines. While doing that, we also measure these metrics in the first 3 months after the introduction.
And the results are:





Splash Screen & Onboarding
Splash Screen & Onboarding
Splash Screen & Onboarding
The My Ssaem onboarding flow utilizes a friendly, peach-colored mascot to guide users through a four-stage introduction designed to build brand trust and highlight cultural immersion.
The My Ssaem onboarding flow utilizes a friendly, peach-colored mascot to guide users through a four-stage introduction designed to build brand trust and highlight cultural immersion.





Login & Opening Page
Login & Opening Page
Login & Opening Page
The My Ssaem login screen provides a simple and friendly entry point for users. It supports email and password login, with clear input states, password visibility toggle, and recovery options.
After logging in, users are welcomed with an emotional check-in screen that asks how they are feeling today.
The My Ssaem login screen provides a simple and friendly entry point for users. It supports email and password login, with clear input states, password visibility toggle, and recovery options.
After logging in, users are welcomed with an emotional check-in screen that asks how they are feeling today.
Homepage
Homepage
Homepage
The My Ssaem homepage serves as a centralized dashboard designed to drive daily engagement through personalized content and social proof.
The My Ssaem homepage serves as a centralized dashboard designed to drive daily engagement through personalized content and social proof.
Daily Streak
Daily Streak
Daily Streak
The Daily Streak (Check-in Harian) flow utilizes a circular path visualization to reward consistency and reduce user drop-off.
The Daily Streak (Check-in Harian) flow utilizes a circular path visualization to reward consistency and reduce user drop-off.




















Visual Assets
Outcome Highlights
Outcome Highlights
My Ssaem was officially launched in Q4 2023. Post-launch analytics revealed that integrating cultural context didn't just entertain users, it significantly improved their study habits. By bridging the gap between entertainment and education, we achieved metrics well above the industry average for ed-tech startups.
My Ssaem was officially launched in Q4 2023. Post-launch analytics revealed that integrating cultural context didn't just entertain users, it significantly improved their study habits. By bridging the gap between entertainment and education, we achieved metrics well above the industry average for ed-tech startups.
ยฑ80%
ยฑ80%
Retention Rate Uplift
Retention Rate Uplift
Users who interacted with the 'Culture Cards' feature had an 80% higher Day-30 retention rate compared to users who only used standard flashcards.
Users who interacted with the 'Culture Cards' feature had an 80% higher Day-30 retention rate compared to users who only used standard flashcards.
4.8
4.8
App Store Rating
App Store Rating
Maintained a near-perfect rating across 5,000+ reviews. 90% of written reviews specifically mentioned the 'contextual learning' approach as their favorite feature.
Maintained a near-perfect rating across 5,000+ reviews. 90% of written reviews specifically mentioned the 'contextual learning' approach as their favorite feature.
24m
24m
Avg. Session Duration
Avg. Session Duration
The immersive video player increased average session length to 24 minutes, significantly outperforming the industry standard of 5-10 minutes for language apps.
The immersive video player increased average session length to 24 minutes, significantly outperforming the industry standard of 5-10 minutes for language apps.
92%
92%
Lesson Completion
Lesson Completion
Gamifying the 'Culture Unlock' system resulted in a 92% lesson completion rate, proving that curiosity is a stronger motivator than academic pressure.
Gamifying the 'Culture Unlock' system resulted in a 92% lesson completion rate, proving that curiosity is a stronger motivator than academic pressure.
Key Takeaway & Learning
Key Takeaway & Learning
This project reinforced several key lessons in building a user-centric educational product:
This project reinforced several key lessons in building a user-centric educational product:
Culture is the ultimate "Hook" for Retention: I learned that users are more motivated by "cultural rewards" than traditional badges. By integrating K-Pop and K-Drama context, we transformed language learning from a chore into a hobby, which was the primary driver for our +80% retention rate.
Balancing Entertainment with Education: The biggest challenge was ensuring that "fun" didn't distract from "learning." I learned how to use a Progressive Disclosure design pattern, showing the entertaining content first, then gradually revealing the deeper grammar and vocabulary layers so as not to overwhelm the user.
Designing for "Micro-Moments": Through user research, I realized most learners use the app during commutes or short breaks. I pivoted the design to focus on Atomic Learning, ensuring every lesson, video clip, and culture card could be completed in under 3 minutes, making the app fit seamlessly into daily life.
Data-Informed Iteration: Seeing the 4.8 satisfaction score taught me the value of listening to community feedback. Early users found the navigation confusing, so I simplified the information architecture to focus on a "Content-First" feed, which immediately improved our session duration and completion rates.
Culture is the ultimate "Hook" for Retention: I learned that users are more motivated by "cultural rewards" than traditional badges. By integrating K-Pop and K-Drama context, we transformed language learning from a chore into a hobby, which was the primary driver for our +80% retention rate.
Balancing Entertainment with Education: The biggest challenge was ensuring that "fun" didn't distract from "learning." I learned how to use a Progressive Disclosure design pattern, showing the entertaining content first, then gradually revealing the deeper grammar and vocabulary layers so as not to overwhelm the user.
Designing for "Micro-Moments": Through user research, I realized most learners use the app during commutes or short breaks. I pivoted the design to focus on Atomic Learning, ensuring every lesson, video clip, and culture card could be completed in under 3 minutes, making the app fit seamlessly into daily life.
Data-Informed Iteration: Seeing the 4.8 satisfaction score taught me the value of listening to community feedback. Early users found the navigation confusing, so I simplified the information architecture to focus on a "Content-First" feed, which immediately improved our session duration and completion rates.
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Thanks for
stopping by!
Feel free to reach out for collaboration
purposes or just a friendly hello ๐๐ป
sasongkobr@gmail.com
Thanks for
stopping by!
Feel free to reach out for collaboration
purposes or just a friendly hello ๐๐ป
sasongkobr@gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by!
Feel free to reach out for collaboration
purposes or just a friendly hello ๐๐ป
sasongkobr@gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by!
Feel free to reach out for collaboration
purposes or just a friendly hello ๐๐ป
sasongkobr@gmail.com
Thanks for
stopping by!
Feel free to reach out for collaboration purposes or just a friendly hello ๐๐ป
Copy email
Get in touch