Language Assumption Leads to Challenges
- Sajin Philip
- Mar 8, 2024
- 1 min read
I recently had the opportunity to explore the Duolingo app’s onboarding process. While I appreciate the app’s overall design and functionality, I encountered an issue during the initial language selection phase.
Language Assumption Based on Location:
🌎 During the very first journey, Duolingo assumes the user’s preferred language based on the app’s downloaded location. This approach is generally effective, but it can lead to challenges.
📖 For instance, if a user has basic knowledge of One language but encounters other languages on the screen that they do not understand, they become stuck. The mandatory language selection becomes a roadblock, preventing them from proceeding further.
User Stuck Without an Option to Move Forward:
🏃When users find themselves in this situation, they have no alternative but to halt their journey. Unfortunately, this frustration may lead them to stop using the app altogether.
👾It’s essential to consider scenarios where users encounter difficulties during onboarding and provide solutions to prevent such roadblocks.
Heuristic Evaluation Technique:
🎒In the field of User Experience (UX) design, we often use heuristic evaluation techniques to identify potential issues and improve usability.
😊When there’s a risk of error or a high likelihood of users getting stuck, consider implementing recovery options. For instance, allowing users to change their language preference even after initial selection could be beneficial.
I want to emphasize that I admire the incredible work Duolingo is doing. As a big fan, I offer this suggestion with the utmost respect. Thank you for your dedication to language learning and creating an engaging platform. I look forward to seeing Duolingo continue to evolve!
