Learning Through Design
Creating an educational product and digital ecosystem that makes English vocabulary learning more engaging, structured, and accessible.
CLIENT
Eryia, School of Foreign Languages
COUNTRY
Croatia
YEAR
2018
SERVICES
Brand Identity · Product Design · Editorial Design · Visual Identity Systems · Web Design · Creative Direction
Words My Way is an educational product designed to help learners build, organise, and retain English vocabulary through a structured and engaging learning experience. Combining product design, editorial design, and gamification, the project transforms vocabulary learning into a practical system that encourages active participation and independent learning.
Rather than functioning as a traditional dictionary or language handbook, Words My Way introduces a more personal approach to learning. It enables users to record new words, create associations, write examples, and build their own vocabulary database through consistent practice.
The product was developed for use at home, alongside formal language courses, or as a supplementary resource for anyone looking to improve their English language skills.
A Structured Approach to Learning
Learning new vocabulary can often become repetitive and difficult to maintain over time. Words My Way addresses this challenge by encouraging learners to actively engage with language rather than passively read definitions.
Writing, repetition, sentence creation, and practical application form the foundation of the learning process. This approach helps users connect new words with meaningful contexts and develop personalised methods that support long-term vocabulary retention.
At the core of the product is a carefully structured learning dictionary designed to accommodate different levels of English proficiency. Accessible to beginners and valuable to more advanced learners, the system offers the flexibility to adapt to individual learning styles, goals, and pace.
Product Design and Gamification
A complementary educational game extends the learning experience through interaction and repetition. By introducing playful elements into vocabulary practice, the game makes the process more dynamic while reinforcing the educational purpose of the product.
The combination of structured learning and gamification creates a more engaging experience, encouraging continued participation and supporting language development over time.
Together, the dictionary and educational game form a cohesive learning system built around usability, consistency, and active engagement.
Visual Identity and Editorial Design
The visual identity was developed to communicate accessibility, creativity, and educational value while appealing to a broad audience. A vibrant colour palette, custom illustrations, and playful graphic elements establish a recognisable visual language inspired by communication, travel, ideas, and personal growth.
Editorial design played an essential role in shaping the product. As the learning system relies heavily on written content, typography, information hierarchy, and readability were central to the design process.
The layout was carefully structured to support navigation, note-taking, and everyday use. Every design decision contributed to a clear and intuitive experience that makes learning approachable, organised, and enjoyable.
Extending the Experience Through Digital Design
Beyond the printed product, Words My Way expanded into a digital ecosystem through an accompanying website and online learning platform.
The digital experience provides additional guidance, instructions, and educational resources to support independent learning. Through web design and a consistent visual system, the digital platform extends the product’s functionality while maintaining a coherent connection between its physical and digital components.
This integrated approach creates a more complete educational experience, accommodating different learning preferences and ways of engaging with the content.
Designing for Long-Term Use
From the outset, Words My Way was conceived as a product with the potential to reach audiences beyond its local market. Its visual identity and communication system were developed to remain consistent across different applications and international markets.
The combination of functional product design, clear visual communication, and an adaptable design system supports the product’s use across different ages, proficiency levels, and learning environments.
Developed in Croatia in 2018, Words My Way brings together educational methodology, visual identity, editorial design, and digital design in a unified experience.
The Outcome
Words My Way demonstrates how thoughtful design can support education by making learning more accessible, interactive, and engaging.
More than a vocabulary book, the project brings together a structured learning method, a complementary educational game, and a digital platform to encourage active participation and independent development.
Through a balance of clarity, functionality, and playful visual communication, Words My Way transforms English vocabulary learning into a more organised and rewarding experience.
