As an online Japanese learning platform, Renshuu stands out as one of the best resources for language learners, offering comprehensive content from grammar to vocabulary and games. However, its extensive feature set has led to organizational challenges, resulting in a cluttered homepage. Renshuu's outdated design identity creates a confusing user experience, making it difficult for users to understand how the site works. In this project, I aim to streamline Renshuu's interface through a modern, intuitive design system that organizes its extensive features while preserving the platform's educational value.
problem statement
Renshuu is the premium resource for people who want to learn Japanese. As an active, long-time user, I still have difficulty when navigating the platform because of its extensive amount of features and content, leading to a disorganized space. The many navigational menus and the lack of visual hierarchy is negatively affecting my ability to learn Japanese. Because of this, I wanted to explore a redesign of the platform looking at the specifics in the question here:
How might we implement a more scalable system while reducing cognitive load?
solutions
I reworked Renshuu's interface into a dashboard, showing relevant information, such as a user's progress data and daily review checkpoints. This way, a user is able to see everything at a glance without needing to scroll down very far, which is what happens on the current interface. A grid has been defined to consistently organize the cards. Progress markers were used to create a Zeigarnik effect, where the user tends to remember incomplete tasks better than completed ones.
Of course, sections also provide users with the ability to view all the content. For example, My Courses has a link to all active decks, but the two on the dashboard will also update as a user completes the daily review/learning.
In the new design, Study Quests have been moved into the dashboard instead of within the Games tab, which is where it was before. It was very obscured, and I often forgot about its existence. The gamification motivates users to continue studying, leading to its inclusion on the dashboard.
A redesigned dashboard page
A redesigned profile page
research process
Here are some artefacts from the design cycle that did not make the final version, but helped me brainstorm different styles that I could develop.
To begin the re-work of the navigation menus, I first organized all of them onto post-it notes. This would allow me to begin brainstorming on how to simplify the navigation experience.
This is the first iteration I had considered for a new navigation bar. I ended up scraping it because I wasn’t completely happy with the structure. Certain links, like the Garden and Games, still felt out of place.
I rearranged the links into a sidebar, combining everything into one and easy navigation system that does not overwhelm the language learning. I also moved some links around, such as the Renshuu Pro link and the FAQ/help forums.
Analysis of problem one
Analysis of problem two
Analysis of problem three
Analysis of problem four
takeaways
I learned to trust my gut instincts, rely heavily on secondary research when primary research isn't available, and embrace bold, last minute changes that improve the product. I've learned that failure is acceptable, and creating multiple "failed" attempts can be productive—these iterations often contribute valuable elements to the final design.
Cynthia is a design/er (engineer) working in product and web design, specializing in building impactful interfaces that make people's lives easier and more fulfilling.
She is currently one of two founding designers at Asian Indigenous Relations (AIR), a collective creating conversations around the complicated histories of Vancouver. She is open to full time roles.
On the side, she studies Japanese (初めまして!) and uses literature and movement to inspire her practice. She also spends too much time on Are.na falling down rabbit holes.