UX Research Project

Smart Language Learning for Multilingual Minds

Can people who already speak multiple languages learn new ones faster by using what they already know?

Join the Research

Project Objectives

A UX case study on optimizing language learning for multilinguals by adapting to their prior knowledge and minimizing unnecessary repetition.

My Role

Research
UX Design

Tools

Figma

Duration

Live UX Research

Updated: Mar.25

01 Reasons

Basics Are Not for Everyone

Moving to a new country and meeting dozens multilingual immigrants and language enthusiasts as myself, I quickly realized a common struggle.

For those of us who already speak multiple languages, learning a new one isn’t about “where to start?”, but about how to learn efficiently.

Advanced programs and tutors demand time and money, while flexible apps still trap us in repetition.

And let’s be honest – repeating the same basics is just exhausting.

Most popular apps like Duolingo and Babbel are designed for beginners, without considering the user’s prior language knowledge. As a result, even experienced learners end up stuck on exercises that don’t bring real value.

This led me to ask myself:

Can an app adapt to the user’s language experience and accelerate learning by leveraging what they already know?

02 Challenges

Language Apps Fail Multilinguals

Most apps force redundant repetition. Multilinguals need the one which adapts to their experience, highlighting key connections.

Why It’s a Problem?

Apps don’t recognize what you already know, making you redo basic exercises

Need dedicated time slots, high cost

Learners miss shortcuts and struggle with false friends

No clear roadmap based on already mastered skills and knowledge

Solution Suggested

Smart content filtering – skips what’s redundant and adapts to prior knowledge

Flexible learning path – optimize learning without full-time commitment

Cross-language connections – identifies common structures and tricky differences

Adaptive onboarding – recommends the best approach based on known languages

Challenge

Beginner-focused apps waste time on repetition

Advanced programs & tutors are expensive and time-consuming

Languages have similarities, but most apps don’t highlight them

Users don’t know where to start with a new language

Challenge

Beginner-focused apps waste time on repetition

Advanced programs & tutors are expensive and time-consuming

Languages have similarities, but most apps don’t highlight them

Users don’t know where to start with a new language

Why It’s a Problem?

Apps don’t recognize what you already know, making you redo basic exercises

Need dedicated time slots, high cost

Learners miss shortcuts and struggle with false friends

No clear roadmap based on already mastered skills and knowledge

Solution Suggested

Smart content filtering – skips what’s redundant and adapts to prior knowledge

Flexible learning path – optimize learning without full-time commitment

Cross-language connections – identifies common structures and tricky differences

Adaptive onboarding – recommends the best approach based on known languages

03 Understanding Users

The Who

Before designing a smarter approach, I took a deep dive into the struggles of different types of language learners. While they all face common challenges, their backgrounds and needs shape how they approach language learning — and where they run into roadblocks.

Multilingual Immigrants & Expats

For many immigrants and expats, learning the local language isn’t about starting from zero — it’s about quickly picking up the specific structures and vocabulary they actually need. They already have experience learning languages, but group courses move at the pace of the slowest learners, and private tutors require both money and time. The result? Many end up patching together resources on their own.

I can pick up basic vocabulary fast, that’s not the problem. But I wish courses helped me bridge the gaps between what I already know and what’s actually different — so I don’t have to spend hours researching things on my own.

Anna, 34, refugee in Norway

Expat & Multilingual Kids

Children growing up in multilingual households often juggle several languages at once. Most schools and language courses don’t account for this, treating every learner as if they are starting from scratch. Instead of reinforcing the connections between their languages, kids are often left to figure it out themselves, leading to confusion and gaps in their learning.

At home, we speak Ukrainian. At school, I speak German. But I also need to learn English and Spanish. Everything is mixed up in my head!

Ivan, 15, expat kid in Germany

At home, we speak Ukrainian. At school, I speak German. But I also need to learn English and Spanish. Everything is mixed up in my head!

Ivan, 15, expat kid in Germany

At home, we speak Ukrainian. At school, I speak German. But I also need to learn English and Spanish. Everything is mixed up in my head!

Ivan, 15, expat kid in Germany

Language Enthusiasts & Polyglots

Many polyglots and experienced learners instinctively compare languages, but apps don’t help them do this. Instead of showing how French and Spanish grammar relate, or how Ukrainian and Polish share vocabulary, they treat every new language as a completely separate system.

I already see patterns between languages I know, but no app actually helps me use that to my advantage.

Tamas, 21, linguistics student

I already see patterns between languages I know, but no app actually helps me use that to my advantage.

Tamas, 21, linguistics student

I already see patterns between languages I know, but no app actually helps me use that to my advantage.

Tamas, 21, linguistics student

Neurodivergent Learners

People with ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent traits often struggle with traditional learning methods. Many language apps rely on repetitive drills, which can either be helpful or incredibly frustrating, depending on how the brain processes information. The challenge isn’t just motivation — it’s finding a system that adapts to how they actually learn, instead of forcing them into a rigid, one-size-fits-all structure.

Most apps rely on repetition, but I need a system that lets me jump between lessons and learn in a more dynamic way.

Maya, 30, ADHD learner

Most apps rely on repetition, but I need a system that lets me jump between lessons and learn in a more dynamic way.

Maya, 30, ADHD learner

Most apps rely on repetition, but I need a system that lets me jump between lessons and learn in a more dynamic way.

Maya, 30, ADHD learner

04 Existing Solutions

The What

Also I needed to analyze the current landscape of language learning tools. What options do multilinguals and experienced learners have today, and why do these solutions fall short?

Learning Apps

Great for beginner level, but do not recognise prior experience, slows down advanced learners.

Learning Apps

Great for beginner level, but do not recognise prior experience, slows down advanced learners.

Self-Study

Learners choose their own pace, but finding structured material takes effort, lacks clear progression.

Self-Study

Learners choose their own pace, but finding structured material takes effort, lacks clear progression.

Group Lessons

Great for consistency but group follow the slowest learner, give little flexibility for multilinguals.

Group Lessons

Great for consistency but group follow the slowest learner, give little flexibility for multilinguals.

Private Tutors

Adapt to the student’s needs but require strict scheduling, are time-consuming and expensive.

Private Tutors

Adapt to the student’s needs but require strict scheduling, are time-consuming and expensive.

05 Market Analysis

Positioning

While the niche of multilingual learners remains underserved, I consider it essential to analyze potential competitors of the app — let’s call it LingWeave — as well as explore the monetization strategies used in the language learning market.

This analysis highlights key gaps in the current market—especially for multilingual learners. With this in mind, the next step is to explore how LingWeave can bridge these gaps and create a more personalized, efficient language learning experience.

06 User Flow

Onboarding

Most language apps offer a linear path. But for multilinguals, the context is often more complex:

• Some of the languages they already know are closer to the new one, others are not

• Not all goals are the same: some want to understand grammar, others just want to read

• Proficiency level doesn’t always reflect real skills: someone might speak fluently but struggle with writing

📎 More on the iterations and final decision — in the LinkedIn post.

Refined user flow after multiple iterations adapting to the complexity of multilingual experience.

Hi-Fi MVP Coming Soon

07 MVP Walkthrough

Personalized Setup

How it works:

Choose your known languages (test or manual), add one or more target languages, set a learning goal (optional), get a recommended path instantly, review and tweak your plan, start learning with a personalized dashboard.

Whether you're looking to collaborate on a project, need a custom design, or have any questions, feel free to reach out!

lana.lantvoit@gmail.com

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