Preliminary Exploration of User Experience in the Learning-Through-Play Language Learning App Duolingo

In modern society, online learning has become another major knowledge acquisition route beyond traditional classrooms. Through network platforms, students could conveniently acquire multiple courses to expand the knowledge with self-directed learning. Language learning applications, with the convenience, therefore become the popular learning style with modern people. Duolingo, a world-famous language learning application, provides rich and multiple language learning courses, including more than 40 languages. Designed with gamification, users learn through task and challenge completion; and, it is famous for the simple and easy-to-use interface, real-time feedback, and social media interaction. Gamification learning model does not simply provide challenging learning environment, but could also satisfy students’ personalized needs for effectively promoting learners’ comprehensive development. Excellent user experience results in millions of Duolingo users in the world. This study focuses on user experience in learning-through-play, containing challenge, preference, interactivity, learning effectiveness, and satisfaction. The research method covers the following steps. First, relevant data are collected through literature review. Second, the interview outline with 5 dimensions is designed and the semi-structured interview is preceded for collecting user feedback and experience. Finally, the qualitative research results are induced and explained for the preliminary comprehension of Duolingo user experience. By deeply understanding user experience in learning-through-play, the advantages and potential improvement of Duolingo are exposed. Furthermore, this study could enhance cross-cultural understanding so that Duolingo could better match Taiwanese users’ expectations to build a friendlier, pleasant, and inclusive learning platform. By deeply understanding Taiwanese users’ cultural characteristics and learning needs, Duolingo could be more flexibly adjusted the learning styles and resources to provide better learning experience for users all over the world.