DanDan
EdTech Product Design
Japanese has become one of the most studied foreign languages in the United States, driven by interest in Japanese culture, travel, and media. However, many learners struggle to maintain consistent progress when using existing language-learning platforms, often relying on multiple disconnected tools such as apps, textbooks, and flashcards. This project explores how a more structured and engaging learning experience could better support Japanese language learners.
Client:
Springboard
Role:
UI/UX Designer
Year:
2020
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Challenge
To effectively tackle a problem, it is important to first clearly define the issue. Many Japanese learners rely on language learning apps alongside traditional study methods, but these apps often lack interaction and long-term structure. As a result, learners struggle to stay motivated and often find it difficult to connect what they are learning to real progress. In many cases, there is no clear feedback loop that helps users understand whether they are improving or not, which leads to frustration and drop-off. The challenge for this project was to better understand these gaps and explore how the experience of learning Japanese through digital tools could be improved.
Objective
The goal of this project was to design a more effective and engaging learning experience for Japanese language learners by addressing the gaps found in existing language learning apps. More specifically, the aim was to create a digital experience that supports learners in building consistency, improving retention, and understanding their progress more clearly over time. Instead of focusing only on vocabulary or translation exercises, the objective was to explore how interaction, structure, and feedback could be combined to create a more meaningful learning flow. The project also aimed to bridge the gap between isolated study sessions and long-term learning motivation by designing a system that helps learners feel more confident and guided throughout their journey.
Results
The solution, DanDan, is an iOS app designed for learning Japanese that focuses on building a structured and interactive learning experience. The app consists of five main sections: learn, review, community, account, and rewards. In the learn section, users can explore structured Japanese topics and progress step by step. During alphabet lessons, users follow correct sequences and practice writing with guidance. There is also a culture section where users can explore Japanese traditions and festivals to gain more contextual understanding. The review section allows users to revisit and reinforce what they have learned, helping improve retention over time. The community section supports learners by allowing them to ask questions, get translations, and connect with others. The account section helps users manage their profile and track progress, while the rewards system encourages continued learning and helps users see their growth beyond the app. Overall, DanDan is designed to support learners not just in understanding Japanese, but in staying motivated and building long-term learning habits.
