PHONIX: STYLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING PERFECTLY MATCHED TO YOU
PHONIX: STYLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING PERFECTLY MATCHED TO YOU
ABOUT
Phonix is a fun, engaging language learning app that expertly matches learners with tutors based on each tutor’s expertise and the learner’s specific goals.
TASK
Independently design an app that addresses common challenges faced by language learners, such as lack of structure and difficulty with communication by intelligently matching them with the right tutor based on their responses during onboarding.
TIMELINE
June 10 2025 - June 18 2025
ROLE
UX Designer, UI Designer, Brand Designer, Researcher
TOOLS
Figma, Procreate, Illustrator
THE PROBLEM
Many language learners struggle to stay motivated when studying on their own. Without clear guidance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by not knowing where to start. As a result, many give up before making meaningful progress. Balancing language learning with daily life is another common challenge, and without structure, maintaining a consistent routine becomes difficult.
Many language learners struggle to stay motivated when studying on their own. Without clear guidance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by not knowing where to start. As a result, many give up before making meaningful progress. Balancing language learning with daily life is another common challenge, and without structure, maintaining a consistent routine becomes difficult.
WHY IT MATTERS
With globalisation and increased travel, over 60% of US citizens have attempted to learn a new language at some point. However, many learners struggle to maintain consistency in their language studies. The right tutor can make all the difference by offering motivation and personalised guidance creating a more achievable learning experience. As online learning continues to grow, this app meets a genuine need by connecting users with tutors who match their goals and learning styles.
With globalisation and increased travel, over 60% of US citizens have attempted to learn a new language at some point. However, many learners struggle to maintain consistency in their language studies. The right tutor can make all the difference by offering motivation and personalised guidance creating a more achievable learning experience. As online learning continues to grow, this app meets a genuine need by connecting users with tutors who match their goals and learning styles.
THE GOAL
Design an app with a stylish and eye-catching interface that inspires users to begin their language journey and stay motivated throughout. Featuring an extensive, but essential onboarding process, the app engages users through interactive questions that boost involvement from the start. By gathering insights on users’ language goals and study preferences, the algorithm can accurately match each learner with a tutor who fits their unique needs and requirements.
Design an app with a stylish and eye-catching interface that inspires users to begin their language journey and stay motivated throughout. Featuring an extensive, but essential onboarding process, the app engages users through interactive questions that boost involvement from the start. By gathering insights on users’ language goals and study preferences, the algorithm can accurately match each learner with a tutor who fits their unique needs and requirements.
DESIGN PROCESS
I used a clear, end-to-end design process—from research to final solution.
I used a clear, end-to-end design process—from research to final solution.
RESEARCH
Statistics show that the main challenges in language learning include speaking with native speakers, practising without feeling self-conscious, and a lack of structure.
Statistics show that the main challenges in language learning include speaking with native speakers, practising without feeling self-conscious, and a lack of structure.
FIG. 1
STATISTICS
STATISTICS
FIG. 1
RESEARCH FINDINGS
FIG. 2
INITIAL RESEARCH
I surveyed 10 participants currently learning a new language using Google Forms, focusing on closed-ended questions to collect quantitative insights about their self-study habits and openness to working with a tutor.
I surveyed 10 participants currently learning a new language using Google Forms, focusing on closed-ended questions to collect quantitative insights about their self-study habits and openness to working with a tutor.
FIG. 2
RESEARCH FINDINGS
USERS
After confirming that all learners were interested in finding a tutor, I conducted in-depth user testing with three of the participants.
After confirming that all learners were interested in finding a tutor, I conducted in-depth user testing with three of the participants.
FIG. 3
USER PROFILES
USER PROFILES
FIG. 3
MID-FIDELITY WIREFRAMES
The wireframes mapped the user journey and content flow, guiding users through tutor selection without overwhelming them.
The wireframes mapped the user journey and content flow, guiding users through tutor selection without overwhelming them.
INITIAL WIREFRAMES
FIG. 4
USER TESTING
USER TESTING
FIG. 4
INITIAL WIREFRAMES
USER TESTING
I tested wireframes with all three personas, focusing on Onboarding, Swiping, and Profile. Recurring pain points were used to refine the design before adding UI.
I tested wireframes with all three personas, focusing on Onboarding, Swiping, and Profile. Recurring pain points were used to refine the design before adding UI.
FIG. 5
USER TESTING
SOLUTIONS
Based on user feedback, any feature that scored above 2 was carefully considered as a priority for improvement. I then updated the wireframes to better reflect user needs.
Based on user feedback, any feature that scored above 2 was carefully considered as a priority for improvement. I then updated the wireframes to better reflect user needs.
FIG. 6
UPDATED WIREFRAMES
USER TESTING
FIG. 5
UPDATED WIREFRAMES
FIG. 6
USER FLOW
The primary flow outlines the journey from onboarding to exploring tutor profiles, leading up to booking a lesson. The success metric is completing a booking with a tutor.
The primary flow outlines the journey from onboarding to exploring tutor profiles, leading up to booking a lesson. The success metric is completing a booking with a tutor.
WHY 'PHONIX'
Phonix is a play on ‘phonics’—a foundational concept in language learning. The ‘x’ is inspired by the mythical phoenix, a symbol of rebirth, growth, and transformation—reflecting the journey of learners overcoming challenges. The name is short, distinctive, and easy to pronounce across many languages.
Phonix is a play on ‘phonics’—a foundational concept in language learning. The ‘x’ is inspired by the mythical phoenix, a symbol of rebirth, growth, and transformation—reflecting the journey of learners overcoming challenges. The name is short, distinctive, and easy to pronounce across many languages.
BRANDING
Phonix uses a calming palette and clean typography to reduce cognitive load and support user focus. The design balances professionalism with a playful, engaging feel—capturing the spirit of language learning while enhancing accessibility and exploration.
Phonix uses a calming palette and clean typography to reduce cognitive load and support user focus. The design balances professionalism with a playful, engaging feel—capturing the spirit of language learning while enhancing accessibility and exploration.
DESIGNING BEGINS…
DESIGNING BEGINS…
ONBOARDING
The app features an interactive onboarding process that guides users through a series of choices to identify their specific tutoring needs. Based on their responses, the algorithm instantly suggests tutors who are the best match.
The app features an interactive onboarding process that guides users through a series of choices to identify their specific tutoring needs. Based on their responses, the algorithm instantly suggests tutors who are the best match.
FIG. 7
ONBOARDING USER FLOW
ONBOARDING USER FLOW
FIG. 7
FIG. 8
BASIC ONBOARDING PROTOTYPE
BASIC ONBOARDING PROTOTYPE
FIG. 8
HOMESCREEN
Users swipe through a curated stack of tutors selected by the algorithm as their top daily matches. A percentage score shows how closely each tutor aligns with the user’s profile.
Users swipe through a curated stack of tutors selected by the algorithm as their top daily matches. A percentage score shows how closely each tutor aligns with the user’s profile.
TUTOR PROFILE
The tutor’s profile provides all the essential information a user needs before booking a lesson.
The tutor’s profile provides all the essential information a user needs before booking a lesson.
BOOKING A TUTOR
Users swipe through a curated stack of tutors selected by the algorithm as their top daily matches. A percentage score shows how closely each tutor aligns with the user’s profile.
Users swipe through a curated stack of tutors selected by the algorithm as their top daily matches. A percentage score shows how closely each tutor aligns with the user’s profile.
FIG. 9
BASIC BOOKING PROTOTYPE
BASIC BOOKING PROTOTYPE
FIG. 9
NEXT STEPS
After booking a lesson, users connect with their tutor via platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom. In the future, ‘Phonix’ will support in-app video calls for a more seamless experience.
After booking a lesson, users connect with their tutor via platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom. In the future, ‘Phonix’ will support in-app video calls for a more seamless experience.
CONCLUDING PHONIX
Phonix was designed to address the real frustrations many language learners face—lack of structure, low motivation, and uncertainty about where to begin. By combining thoughtful onboarding with algorithmic tutor matching, the app delivers personalised guidance from day one, making language learning feel less overwhelming and more achievable. With an engaging, high-end interface and a clear focus on the user’s individual journey, Phonix transforms the solitary experience of studying into one that’s structured, motivating, and deeply human. As global demand for language skills continues to rise, Phonix offers a smart, elegant solution tailored for modern learners.
Phonix was designed to address the real frustrations many language learners face—lack of structure, low motivation, and uncertainty about where to begin. By combining thoughtful onboarding with algorithmic tutor matching, the app delivers personalised guidance from day one, making language learning feel less overwhelming and more achievable. With an engaging, high-end interface and a clear focus on the user’s individual journey, Phonix transforms the solitary experience of studying into one that’s structured, motivating, and deeply human. As global demand for language skills continues to rise, Phonix offers a smart, elegant solution tailored for modern learners.