The Problem & Goal

The process of learning and memorizing new vocabulary can be inefficient and frustrating, especially for non-native English speakers. Many learners struggle with traditional methods like rote memorization, which lack engagement and personalized progress tracking. The goal of the Flashcard Dictionary app is to provide an interactive and effective way for users to expand their vocabulary through dynamically generated flashcards and a custom memorization algorithm. By focusing on frequent word exposure and adaptive learning, the app aims to make vocabulary retention easier and more engaging.

Role & Responsibilities

As the creator of the Flashcard Dictionary app, I was responsible for:

Identifying key pain points in traditional vocabulary learning methods.
Conducting competitor research to position the app uniquely in the market.
Iterating on user feedback to improve UX/UI and engagement.
Designing and developing the iOS App.
Implementing a custom memorization algorithm to enhance retention.
Handling marketing and distribution, which led to over 50,000 downloads.

Competitor Analysis

To understand the competitive landscape, I analyzed the key features of existing vocabulary learning apps. Below is a comparison of how Flashcard Dictionary stands out:

Flashcard Dictionary offers a unique blend of dynamic flashcard generation, an adaptive memorization algorithm, and personalized progress tracking, setting it apart from competitors.

User Research

To understand the pain points and needs of potential users, I conducted surveys and interviews with learners at different proficiency levels. Key insights included:

Users struggled with retention: Many learners found it difficult to recall words they previously studied.
Traditional flashcards felt monotonous: Repetitive, non-adaptive learning led to disengagement.
Users wanted progress tracking: Most users desired a way to measure their improvement over time.
Preferred short study sessions: Many learners preferred quick, bite-sized study sessions that fit into their daily routine.

Based on these insights, Flashcard Dictionary was designed with an adaptive learning approach, progress visualization, and gamified elements to keep users engaged.

Persona

Persona 1

Name: Yang Kaihan
Age: 22
Occupation: College Student (Preparing for GRE)

Pain Points:

Struggles with remembering advanced vocabulary.
Finds existing vocabulary apps too distracting with unnecessary features.
Needs a structured approach to track learning progress effectively.

Goals:

Expand English vocabulary efficiently for GRE exam preparation.
Retain words more effectively through a structured, adaptive learning method.
Use a mobile-friendly, distraction-free learning tool that integrates well into a daily study routine.

Persona 2

Name: Alejandro Torres
Age: 30
Occupation: Product Marketing Manager in Seattle