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Nomad’s Notes
Nomad’s Notes is an end-to-end language learning game that combines narrative-based gameplay with educational value.
The result is a gamified, research-backed experience that feels both playful and grounded—offering learners intuitive pathways to vocabulary, grammar, and real-life communication skills, all within a visually engaging world.
Client:
MA UX Design (Speculative Brief)
Role:
UX Designer & Localization Lead
Date:
2024
Preview demo
“There is a good balance between language learning and cultural exploration, and the way the language is expressed in the demo feels like a natural way to immerse. Spanish words and sentences are presented in a variety of ways which keeps things interesting and would help users who have different learning styles. The journal helps to solidify the activities and for the full game, would provide a natural resting point for the player to evaluate their learnings and stop playing for the day. I can see how players would use this game in a cyclical manner.”
— Matty McGrory, Head of Indie Game Development, Falmouth University
Key Contributions:
- Product Definition & ResearchLed initial research and co-developed the project charter. Conducted market landscape reviews and academic synthesis around language immersion models.
- Information Architecture & UXDesigned core game flows including journaling, interaction zones, and menu navigation. Aligned IA to APX design drivers and accessibility benchmarks.
- Localisation & Dialogue WritingBuilt a Spanish module grounded in cultural relevance. Collaborated with native speakers for dialogue tone and audio recordings.
- User Testing & EvaluationDesigned and distributed surveys, concept validations, and usability tests across language learners and casual gamers. Synthesised feedback for iteration cycles.
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© 2025 Sofía Orellano
All case studies
Nomad’s Notes
Nomad’s Notes is an end-to-end language learning game that combines narrative-based gameplay with educational value.
The result is a gamified, research-backed experience that feels both playful and grounded—offering learners intuitive pathways to vocabulary, grammar, and real-life communication skills, all within a visually engaging world.
Client:
MA UX Design (Speculative Brief)
Role:
UX Designer & Localization Lead
Date:
2024
Preview demo
“There is a good balance between language learning and cultural exploration, and the way the language is expressed in the demo feels like a natural way to immerse. Spanish words and sentences are presented in a variety of ways which keeps things interesting and would help users who have different learning styles. The journal helps to solidify the activities and for the full game, would provide a natural resting point for the player to evaluate their learnings and stop playing for the day. I can see how players would use this game in a cyclical manner.”
— Matty McGrory, Head of Indie Game Development, Falmouth University
Key Contributions:
- Product Definition & Research: Led initial research and co-developed the project charter. Conducted market landscape reviews and academic synthesis around language immersion models.
- Information Architecture & UX: Designed core game flows including journaling, interaction zones, and menu navigation. Aligned IA to APX design drivers and accessibility benchmarks.
- Localisation & Dialogue Writing: Built a Spanish module grounded in cultural relevance. Collaborated with native speakers for dialogue tone and audio recordings.
- User Testing & Evaluation: Designed and distributed surveys, concept validations, and usability tests across language learners and casual gamers. Synthesised feedback for iteration cycles.
All Case Studies
Connect
Let’s create your next big idea.
Get in touch
© 2025 Sofía Orellano
