Improving UX Clarity for ESL Learners in Oppia

I integrated a feature to make the learning platform more accessible and easy to use.

Background

Oppia is a free online learning platform that allows anyone with an internet connection access to teacher-approved lessons. This means all content must be accessible to young students who may still be learning English. There are three sections to each topic, the chapters (or lessons), the practice sessions, and review cards.

The lessons are the bulk of the content, where learners are exposed to different skills—such as addition, subtraction, or division. The review cards allow users to get a refresh on the skills they need to master the topic.

The problem

Currently, there is hardly any integration between the review cards and the practice sessions, making it hard to switch back and forth in the moment, or view all review cards at a glance.Secondarily, the term “review cards” is confusing for users.

Project overview

I worked with a UX designer and another UX writer over two weeks to assist in designing a solution to empower users with more options when encountering a review card, as well as come up with a new term that is easily recognizable for learners.

Before

What is a revision card or revision menu?

Both terms 'revision card' and 'revision menu' are unusual and unclear. They are not accessible for young learners who may be ESL students.

What is a practice section?

Another unclear term. Are we practicing the content from the section above, or going to a section where we will practice in general?

Heading copy is redundant

"Here is what we can do next!" is redundant when the CTA should be automatically implemented into the buttons themselves.

After

'Practice adding numbers' is actionable and easy to understand

This adds specific information about where the button leads.

'Study guide' encompasses the goal of the content

The term 'study guide' is easily accessible to students and common in diverse learning environments.

Heading string removed

No heading is necessary. This streamlines the content.

Reflection

Two buttons of the same type could be confusing

Both 'Practice adding numbers' and 'see all study guides' use buttons with the same font and coloring. Even though they use different icons, this still could be confusing for users at a glance. It does not pass the squint test.