Overview
WordWise is a language-learning app designed to help users translate and save new vocabulary, practice them with flashcards, and keep everything organized by tags and languages — all while working 100% offline.
With a clean UI, fast performance, and playful features like emojis, the app makes vocabulary building more engaging and efficient.
Problem
While learning Danish, I’d often come across new words through books, videos, or conversations. I used Google Translate, but the words I looked up would just vanish into thin air. I needed a way to capture and practice these new words, track my learning, and build a personalized dictionary over time.
Solution
WordWise allows users to:
- Translate words instantly using Google MLKit
- Save them locally with tags, emojis, and language-specific dictionaries
- Practice words using a smart flashcard system
- Organize their vocabulary and track learning over time
Everything works offline, making it perfect for travelers or language learners on the go.
Key Features
- Instant translations: Supports 50+ languages (offline)
- Customize words: Add emojis, tags, personal notes and group words however you like
- Organized word list: Easily view, filter, and sort your saved words
- Flashcard practice: Strengthen memory with an effective review system
- Progress tracking: See how many words you’ve learned over time and other relevant statistics
Tech Stack
- Expo (React Native)
- Tailwind CSS (via NativeWind)
- TypeScript
- SQLite
- Drizzle ORM
- Zustand (state management)
- Google MLKit (offline translation)
- Shopify FlashList (for large lists)
Behind the Build
From API to Offline Translation
The first version used the Google Translate API, but I wanted the app to be free and local-first. I discovered Google MLKit, which supports offline translation for 50+ languages — perfect for both sustainability and performance.
From JSON to SQLite
Initially, I stored word lists in a JSON file. While simple, it wasn’t scalable. As the app grew, I moved to SQLite for structured local storage — improving speed, enabling table-based organization, and making future features easier to add.
Enter Drizzle ORM
Maintaining the database manually and syncing state was painful. Drizzle ORM came to the rescue with:
- Type-safe queries
- Easy migrations
- Live queries to auto-refresh the UI when data changes
- Huge performance boost — word list render time dropped from 10s to instantly
FlashList to the Rescue
React Native’s FlatList struggled with performance when scrolling through long word lists. I swapped it with Shopify’s FlashList — and now it scrolls smoothly even with hundreds of items.
Design Iteration
UX Evolution
The home screen went through several iterations to improve the user experience:
- Easier tag creation
- Smoother translation flow
- Clear save feedback and UI interactions
Evolution of the home screen ux design
UI Makeover
The original app looked very plain — minimal colors, basic typography. To improve engagement, I:
- Introduced vibrant color palettes and gradients
- Added 3D-style buttons
- Switched to the Poppins font for a modern look
- Integrated emojis with every word
Emojis weren’t just fun — they help users visually associate meaning.
Evolution of the wordlist screen ux design
Current Status
I’m currently doing a closed test with ~20 users. The plan is to:
- Gather feedback
- Fix bugs and polish
- Launch publicly on May 1st, 2025
What’s Next
Free Forever
The core features will always be free. To support the app long term:
- I’ll introduce ads for non-premium users
- Offer a Pro plan with extra features
Cloud Sync
Planned for future versions:
- Cloud database
- User authentication and profiles
- Auto backup and sync across devices
