Verilang - Language learning platform with real-world content

Verilang originated as a system enabling educators to develop English instruction materials from DVD movies. When I joined as the sole designer, the project had unclear directional scope - the original product served educational institutions with Moodle integration, but stakeholders envisioned serving independent learners instead.

Through stakeholder conversations and analysis of the existing system, I identified the most viable path forward: retain core functionalities while expanding touchpoints for a consumer audience, initially targeting the Japanese market based on team geography and market research.

I conducted user surveys to understand language learners' habits, pain points, and motivations. The research revealed key insights about how working adults approach language learning - particularly around time constraints, retention challenges, and the gap between entertainment and education.

I mapped and restructured the existing functionality with improved information architecture, working on two parallel tracks: modernizing the visual presentation while addressing the core user pain points uncovered in research.

The core learning experience provides timely vocabulary assistance while watching movie clips. A sidebar dictionary enables immediate word lookup, with color-coded indicators reflecting the learner's proficiency level for each word. Rather than requiring full-length viewing, the system recommends the most educationally relevant segments adjusted to the learner's level.

To prevent learners from becoming absorbed in entertainment and overlooking learning opportunities, I designed an optional challenge system. Pop-up challenges test vocabulary, speaking, or contextual knowledge during viewing, with incentive structures that encourage participation without mandating it.

Survey participants reported minimal recall after watching movies. To address this, I designed a flashcard system that auto-generates cards from each learner's vocabulary list, organized by course unit. Learners can jump directly to the source film segment from any flashcard for contextual reinforcement.

Recognizing karaoke's cultural significance in Japan, I adapted the familiar sing-along experience into a voiceover practice feature. Learners perform oral exercises using educationally prioritized sentences aligned with their proficiency level - making speaking practice feel natural rather than clinical.

I delivered a comprehensive component library and visual design system alongside the interactive prototype, ensuring consistency across all learning features and providing clear documentation for the development team.