Book a call

Picture Dictionary

Picture Dictionary

Picture Dictionary

Sõnaveeb - Picture Dictionary

Sõnaveeb - Picture Dictionary

Sõnaveeb - Picture Dictionary

A mockup for a Macbook place on a table for a hair salon website
A mockup for a Macbook place on a table for a hair salon website

The Estonian Language Institute (EKI), a national Research and Development institution dedicated to ensuring the survival of the Estonian language, faced a dual challenge: they needed to make Estonian language learning more accessible to foreigners while providing teachers with an interactive tool for classroom instruction. The solution needed to be both comprehensive and user-friendly, supporting EKI's mission of language preservation while embracing modern educational technology.

Client:

Institute of the Estonian Language (EKI)

My Role:

UI/UX/Product designer

Year:

2022

Service Provided:

Product Design

EKI Picture Dictionary: Interactive language learning platform


Making Estonian language learning accessible through gamification


Project Overview


Context

EKI's role as a national language authority meant that any solution needed to maintain high educational standards while being accessible to diverse user groups. The project had to align with their public functions, particularly in providing e-services for language learners and supporting educational initiatives.

Key Requirements:

  • Interactive learning platform

  • Audio pronunciation support

  • Example sentence integration

  • Teacher-friendly interface

  • Multi-device compatibility


Solution


We developed a responsive picture dictionary that combines visual learning with interactive features, creating an engaging platform for both individual learners and classroom settings.


Core Features


Interactive Flashcard System

  • Flip-card interface for engaging learning

  • Audio pronunciation of words

  • Example sentences with audio playback

  • Visual representations for vocabulary


Language Support

  • Multiple language interfaces (Estonian, Russian, Ukrainian, English)

  • Language level selection (Elementary/Intermediate)

  • Case-sensitive text display options (aa/AA)

  • Automatic audio pronunciation toggle


Navigation & Organization

  • Intuitive category-based navigation

  • Voice-enabled search functionality

  • Clear visual hierarchy

  • Organized content sections


Responsive Design

  • Fully responsive layout

  • Mobile-friendly interface

  • Touch-optimized interactions

  • Cross-device compatibility


Design Principles


Simplicity First


  • Clean, uncluttered interface

  • Clear visual hierarchy

  • Consistent card layout

  • Purposeful color usage


Accessibility

  • High contrast text

  • Clear typography

  • Audio support

  • Multiple language options


Interactive Learning

  • Gamification through flip cards

  • Immediate audio feedback

  • Visual learning support

  • Contextual examples


Technical Robustness


  • Modular component architecture

  • Existing design system integration

  • Custom card component

  • Responsive framework


Business Impact


Educational Enhancement


  • Improved learning experience for Estonian language students

  • Enhanced teaching capabilities for educators

  • Interactive tools for classroom engagement

  • Support for remote and in-person learning


Institutional Benefits


  • Supports EKI's mission of language preservation

  • Increases accessibility of Estonian language learning

  • Provides a modern digital solution for traditional language education

  • Creates a scalable platform for future expansion


User Benefits


  • Self-paced learning capability

  • Multi-modal learning (visual, audio, text)

  • Cross-device accessibility

  • Flexible usage patterns


Technical Implementation


The project was implemented using a component-based architecture, leveraging an existing design system while introducing custom elements where needed. Key technical aspects include:


Component Architecture

  • Integration with existing design library

  • Custom card component development

  • Responsive design implementation

  • Audio system integration


User Interface

  • Touch-friendly interaction areas

  • Adaptive layouts

  • Dynamic spacing system

  • Consistent cross-device experience


Project Success


Despite the limited timeline, the project successfully delivered all core requirements while maintaining high quality standards. The platform effectively supports EKI's mission while providing a modern, user-friendly learning tool.

Key Achievements

  • Complete feature implementation within timeline

  • Successful integration with existing systems

  • Positive initial user feedback

  • Strong alignment with institutional goals


Future Potential

The modular design and scalable architecture allow for:

  • Content expansion

  • Feature enhancement

  • Additional language support

  • Integration with other educational tools


Conclusion

The EKI Picture Dictionary project demonstrates how traditional language learning can be enhanced through thoughtful digital implementation. By combining user-centric design with educational expertise, we created a tool that serves both individual learners and classroom environments while supporting EKI's mission of Estonian language preservation and development.