Dictionary.com Case Study - by Interactive Labs

Services

UX/UI Design
Prototype
User Testing
iOS / Android

The story

With 2,000,000+ trusted definitions and synonyms, 100+ million app downloads, Dictionary.com is the #1 English dictionary app for iPhone and Android.

As with any large app, user fatigue sets in after prolonged usage. Dictionary.com tasked us with building a refresh that would impact their core metrics - namely, retention, monetization and user reviews on the app stores.

4.5

Yearly Users

10%

School Profiles

10M+

Unique monthly visitors

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The Challenge

Our research indicated that we needed to upgrade a few of the core flows in terms of usability. The main challenge for us was to ease in a large existing user base into new designs and experiences while maintaining or improving core metrics. Additionally we had a short time frame in which to launch the changes to meet the end of year deadline.

The Solution

We reviewed usage data and conducted a thorough audit based on the users reviews of the iOS and Android apps. We created a matrix of pain points and defined core flows that needed an upgrade. Keeping an eye on existing and potential future users of the app, we created multiples ideas, prototypes and validated them through usability testing. We also product managed this critical release and provided detailed specifications and priorities for their internal engineering team. The updated app was launch well ahead of schedule to meet the pre-Christmas deadline.

“Our solution for the iOS version led to a significant rise in page views and retention. We applied material design principles to the Android app which showed similar results.”

A smooth transition from Dictionary to Thesaurus

Our research showed that Thesaurus was one of the highly used app features. Previously users had to go through a 2 step process to use the Thesaurus. Now, user can search for thesaurus anywhere between the app with a simple toggle.

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Intuitive Search Function

The search box is the most frequently used element in Dictionary.com. We realized that users were searching for the same words within different sessions, which led to a re-think of the recent searches feature. We allowed the users to have one touch access to their previously searched words.

We added more contrast and simplicity to the design. The new search box is more visible, quickly recognizable and easy to use. It is persistent in the header through out the user journey.

Simple and mobile friendly gestures let the users easily swipe/tap anywhere on the ribon to find definitions, thesaurus (synonyms), origins and additional information of the desired words.

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