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FabuLingua
Educational Game · Story-based Language Learning
Story-driven mobile learning game that teaches Spanish to children through interactive adventures, mini-games, and reward-based progression.
ROLE
My Role
Game Economy & Systems Designer (Analytics-focused)
brief
Designed progression pacing, reward loops, and analytics event architecture for a children's language learning app — balancing educational integrity with engagement-driven game systems.
What I built
- ✓Designed progression pacing across story worlds and mini-games
- ✓Structured reward loops (stickers, cards, backgrounds, streaks)
- ✓Built engagement systems tied to learning milestones
- ✓Defined event cadence (monthly themes + streak logic)
- ✓Designed retention mechanics for daily and weekly usage
- ✓Balanced educational flow vs game motivation
- ✓Specified trackable product events for analytics (Amplitude + Customer.io)
- ✓Helped define KPI framework (engagement, completion, retention)
- ✓Contributed to feature specs for rewards, mastery, and content unlocks
Key systems owned / influenced
Story Progression
Story progression and unlock pacing across worlds and mini-games.
Daily Habits
Daily streak rewards and monthly event reward tracks to drive habitual engagement.
Collectible Economy
Sticker, card, and background economy with learning-to-reward mapping.
Analytics Design
Session flow optimization, early retention loops (first 7 days), and analytics event design.
Challenges solved
- PROBLEMEngagement vs learning balanceSOLUTIONDesigned systems that kept children emotionally engaged while still delivering meaningful, structured language exposure. Balanced fun gameplay loops with measurable educational outcomes.
- PROBLEMNatural language acquisitionSOLUTIONMoved away from drill-based repetition and supported storytelling-driven learning. Reinforced vocabulary through narrative immersion and interactive mini-games aligned with acquisition theory.
- PROBLEMIndependent learning experienceSOLUTIONStructured progression and UX so children could learn without parents needing to speak Spanish. Built reward loops and guidance systems that supported autonomy.
Impact
- ▲Improved early retention through streak + reward integration
- ▲Increased session completion via clearer progression goals
- ▲Reduced cognitive overload by restructuring reward delivery
- ▲Strengthened motivation loops through collectible-based incentives
Economy complexity
Complexity Rating4/10 · Low Mid
Learning progressionNarrative pacingCollectiblesDaily habitsSubscription value delivery