thesaurus.
Thesaurus is a vocabulary learning app which allows users to create personalised flashcards and test their knowledge using a range of different study features. Not only is thesaurus a valuable educational tool, but it is accessible to all regardless of learning requirements.
The design process
1.1 Competitor analysis
1) Vocabulary
The UI of the app is very appealing and avoids making the user feel overwhelmed with text. However, apart from being able to favourite certain words, the app does not tailor to an individual’s interests. I personally would have found the app to be more useful if I was able to view vocabulary related to my areas of interest or area of study. On the other hand, there are several useful features which allow you to learn vocabulary effortlessly without having to open the app, reducing points of friction. These features include downloading the widget and enabling notifications.
2) Quizlet
The study features and usability of the app are excellent. When looking at the home page you can clearly see all the different sets and folders you have created, facilitating the organisation of your work. There are many study features which provide quick games and quizzes to test your knowledge. This app is something you could use if you wanted to quickly refresh your memory on the go. However, the UI is extremely simple, and I found that it made the process of writing flashcards and completing quizzes feel very monotonous.
3) Study Smarter
Study Smarter’s UI is the most engaging of all three competitors, meaning I spent the most time on this app and explored more of its features. However, regarding the study features specifically, the only available option to assess your knowledge is a quiz. Some of the other apps allowed you to assess your knowledge in multiple different ways via the use of multiple-choice questions, matching terms and definitions, and manually typing in answers. By including more study features, this app could improve its accessibility for individuals with different learning styles.
1.2 & 1.3 User interviews & Proto-persona
I conducted 10-minute online and in-person interviews with 3 individuals who have been tasked with learning new vocabulary recently.
From the interviews I was able to understand the users needs and their struggles associated with learning new vocabulary. I was then able to use this information to create a proto-persona.
1.4 User task flows
1.5 Early Wireframes
1.6 Usability Testing
Usability tests were conducted over zoom using the low-fidelity, interactive, prototype which was created on Marvel
Improvements made to the wireframes
Next steps...
1. Continue designing the app screens for the various features and further refine the UI design.
2. Create a high-fidelity prototype using the updated app screens.
3. Conduct usability tests using the high-fidelity prototype with potential users.
