Talking To Dictionary Users

While dictionary users are a niche group, they are also a diverse group. There are few specific patterns amongst people who use a dictionary, but we can divide frequent users into two groups.

Roughly 71% of people who identify as regular dictionary users admit to looking-up words more than once.

Existing Dictionaries

In order to build a dictionary, one must first understand it. Dictionary structure and format were studied from three popular publishers.

Since more concise definitions would result in having less information to retain, a professional lexicographer was asked about how to create brief word-definition pairs.

Mr. Barrett's advice on what is possible when creating a dictionary was invaluable. According to Mr. Barrett what is needed is a gloss. This idea wasn't implemented, but further iterations will consider a gloss instead of a conventional entry. Whenever shortened entries are used, they are sourced from reliable publications. Future work on the app should revisit Mr. Barrett's feedback.

Learning Techniques

The app includes several proven learning techniques to assist users in remembering words. Three learning techniques were identified.

1. Spaced Learning

Spaced learning is a technique where study is repeated in increasing intervals.

This technique stands out because it offers a long history of data proving its goal of enhancing retention of new material. It is also a technique that lends itself well to an app envirornment, especially when utilizing push notifications.

2. Gamification / Quizzes

Gamification or Quizzes are proven to be an enjoyable way to learn, if not always an efficient one. This method was also conisitantly included in all three of the dictionary apps looked at.

The Leitner method is a card sorting system where incorrect answers are recirculated more often in any given bank of questions.

For simple implementation in an iOS setting, a variation was found in a drivers test app. The app uses a correction quiz to store incorrect answers, and has a proven success rate.

3. Context-based Methods

Context-based methods, such as the memory palace, were considered. Memory Palace (or Method of Loci) is a technique which uses visualizations of a familiar space to quickly and efficiently recall information. While such methods are proven to be effective, to implement such techniques would rely on gathering much more user information.

This approach was put aside for possible future implementation. For example, iOS integration could populate example sentences from the user's favourite publications.

Ideation

An easy-to-use dictionary app that incorporates multiple learning techniques to help the user better remember the words they look up.

Early wireframing was done within the conext of tasks and functions.

Permissions User Flow

To manage reluctance to allow for notifications, the following user flow was developed.

Provided the user hasn’t already opted in to notifications, the app will store the first word looked-up and (after 24 hours) the home page will show a quiz on the word. If the question is answered incorrectly, the app will offer to help the user to remember words and ask for permission to send push notifications.

Logo

A shell was chosen as a logo because it is iconic without being cliche and is often kept as a momento or reminder.

Brand Style Development

Names, fonts, colours, and illustrations.

One of the big hurdles encountered was the development of the menu icons. Detailed illustrations were first developed for the menu, but this was later replaced with a more standard iOS approach.

How Lexi Works

1. Spaced Learning

2. Quiz Creation

The quizzes and word of the day content should be curated. To streamline the process, both functions could be generated by a formula, then reviewed. The word of the day would come from a limited randomizer. The quiz would be generated from the following system, then reviewed to prevent non sequiturs.

3. Correction Quiz

High Fidelity Prototype

The market differentiation of this app is its use of timed reminders to help people remember the words they’ve looked-up. As such, the prototype follows a single path in order to simulate the passing of time through changing landing pages.

Future Considerations

Lexi has plenty of room to grow. Its current state uses a simplified version of learning methods to allow for an easy onboarding process and quick roll-out. Expanding user preferences and integration with other apps would enable a more robust and sophisticated implementation of the learning methods outlined.

Wikipedia Pages on Learning Techniques

Spaced Repetition
Distributed Practice
Leitner System