Duolingo for Nintendo Switch

Overview

Introducting: a concept design exploring how Duolingo's language-learning platform could transition to Nintendo Switch, bringing gamified education to a device that shares natural synergies with Duolingo's design philosophy.

Challenge: Design a Duolingo port that leverages the Switch's unique hardware—touchscreen, detachable Joy-Cons, and hybrid docked/handheld modes—while maintaining the app's core learning effectiveness.

As I worked through the Google UX Design Certification coursework, I was unsatisfied with just designing a few basic responsive sites. To further challenge myself and mix in some of my personality, I also set out to bring Duolingo to the Nintendo Switch. As a gamer and (at the time) 500+ day Duolingo user, I was inspired to design this gamified concept.

In this mock scenario I answered the following prompt: Design a Duolingo port for users who want to learn a language on the Nintendo Switch.

My Role

I completed this project focused on conception, research, UX/UI design, and UX writing elements, bringing this concept to life.

Timeline: March 29th - April 14th, 2022

Research & Discovery

In my first post-coursework design project after completing the Google UX Design Certification, I sought to elevate my skills and explore a bigger-picture understanding of UX design:

• Cross-platform considerations

• Alternative hardware peripherals

• Utilizing brand guides and design principles

• UX writing

Why Nintendo Switch?

After sharing this concept with language learners and gamers, I identified a clear market gap: no comparable language apps exist on Switch despite strong demand. Plus, Duolingo's gamification approach (character development, spaced repetition, satisfying animations) mirrors successful video game design and fits perfectly on a mobile console with the reach and demographics of the Nintendo Switch.

Design Process

Adapting to Screen Orientation

Key Decision: Prioritize landscape orientation optimized for the Switch's touchscreen.

The mobile app uses vertical scrolling extensively, but this felt unnatural on Switch. Instead, I:

• Adapted the web app's horizontal layout as a foundation

• Modified spacing to accommodate the keyboard overlay

• Used L/R shoulder buttons for horizontal navigation through lesson paths and profile sections

• This maintains Duolingo's linear flow while creating a more intuitive handheld gaming experience.

Input Design for Dual Interaction

The Switch supports both touch and controller input—often within the same session. This required careful consideration:

Controller Mapping

• Designed for all configurations: handheld, wireless dual Joy-Cons, single Joy-Con, docked mode

• Mapped directional navigation to DPAD and joysticks

• Simple button scheme leverages Duolingo's straightforward interaction needs

Key Design Decisions

Navigation Redesign

Problem: Vertical scrolling through long lesson paths doesn't suit Switch ergonomics

Solution: Horizontal swiping via shoulder buttons creates a natural console-style progression

Unified Input Language

Problem: Users switch between touch and buttons fluidly

Solution: Instructional copy that works for all input methods; avoided "tap" terminology

Keyboard Strategy

Problem: Developing custom keyboards for 38 languages is impractical

Solution: Utilized Switch's native keyboard UI with language-specific special characters on-screen

Technical Considerations

To actually bring this concept to life, I had to consider a few key areas in which product and development teams would need to address:

Microphone Challenge

The Switch lacks an onboard microphone—a critical gap for speaking exercises.

Solution:

• Display clear warnings in setup and when microphone exercises approach

• Support peripheral microphones via Bluetooth, audio jack, and USB-C

• Considered bundled microphone for physical distribution

Content Syncing

Balanced local storage with cloud connectivity:

• Download introductory lesson packages during setup

• Smart caching of recent and upcoming lessons

• Fallback to locally-stored content when offline

Prototype & Testing Limitations

Created a functional prototype in Adobe XD with 40 linked artboards demonstrating a 3-question lesson flow. However, true testing would require running the prototype on actual Switch hardware with Joy-Cons, dynamic lesson functionality (not just linked screens), and testing with diverse user groups: Switch owners unfamiliar with Duolingo, Duolingo users new to Switch, and users familiar with both.

These factors exceeded individual project scope but represent necessary next steps before production.

Resources & Credits

All designs and vector files were created by following the Duolingo design style guides and leveraging the following resources: Nintendo Switch Game Box Art Template | The-Brunette-Amitie via DeviantArt, Nintendo Switch Game Cartridge Template | JGamerXone via DeviantArt, and Nintendo Switch UI Kit | Andre via Fluxes.

Reflection

This project challenged me to think beyond screen design and consider cross-platform hardware constraints and opportunities, alternative input peripherals and accessibility, product viability, and brand consistency across vastly different form factors.

Key Takeaway: The Switch's touchscreen and hybrid nature create a unique design space where mobile and console language learning opporunities could be a really interesting way to leverage Duolingo's proven patterns and Nintendo's leadership in the gaming space.