Japanese Language Tutoring Platform
As part of the University of Washington’s Summer 2025 “Design for Passion” program, I collaborated with four other HCDE students on a short-term project. Our client, SushiTalk, was developing an online platform that connects Japanese language learners with tutors through interactive lessons.
Our team’s goal was to create hi-fi webpage prototypes, which included developing design directions, branding mood boards and interface concepts that reflect both approachability for learners and authenticity to Japanese culture.
The final, high-fidelity prototypes above were created by my skilled teammate Juna - please find her portfolio by clicking here.
My role: UX Design & UX Research
Goal
Design high-fidelity webpage prototypes for an upcoming platform to match Japanese language tutors with students called SushiTalk, completing as many phases of the Agile roadmap as possible during the time allotted.
Project Context
Timeline: 10-week sprint with open-ended scope prioritized by client roadmap
Team structure: Fully remote with timezone challenges (Seattle + Japan-based clients)
Resource constraints: Limited initial assets; I contributed 2-4 hours weekly while working full-time as a bridal stylist
Design Process
Followed the clients' Agile roadmap prioritizing pages (Home → Sign-up/Login → etc.)
Design flow: Competitive audit → ideation → moodboarding → user personas → user flows → wireframes → lo-fi prototypes → A/B testing → hi-fi prototypes
Collaboration approach: Full-team brainstorming and client feedback sessions early on, then divided specialized tasks as direction solidified
Outcome
High-fidelity prototypes of SushiTalk's landing page, sign-up page, and mentor profile page.
My Key Contributions
Culturally-informed color exploration
Developed initial earth-toned palette inspired by Japanese nature aesthetics (vintage postcards, Sanzo Wada's "A Dictionary of Color Combinations")
Pivoted to brighter, saturated pastels based on client feedback — this version was selected as final palette
User research & accessibility
Created user persona for older and/or less tech-savvy user to ensure inclusive design
Design & content
Conceptualized rotating mentor card interface (sushi bar-inspired)
Wrote hero text copy for landing page
Conducted Care.com competitive audit
Co-developed lo-fi prototypes for A/B testing
Projected Effects
Culturally resonant and visually consistent brand identity.
Clearer and more engaging onboarding experience through copy and layout testing.
Improved user recall and emotional connection through cohesive branding.
What I learned
This project crystallized three critical skills: advocating for design decisions while staying flexible (my color palette evolved but stayed intentional), designing with constraints as creative fuel (2-4 hours weekly forced ruthless prioritization), and recognizing that small choices—a color shift, a persona representing older users—compound into meaningful brand impact.
The final, high-fidelity prototypes at the bottom of this page were created by my skilled teammate Juna. Please find her portfolio here.
