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KidsLikeUs

Embracing Emotions Through Emoji Flashcards

23 April 2024

In a world where communication transcends the barriers of language, the power of a simple emoji can convey a multitude of emotions and messages. Recognizing this universal language, KidsLikeUs partners from the Satakunta University of Applied Sciences aimed to bridge the gap between emotions and expression through the creative use of emoji flashcards. Have a look at how a simple concept can be redesigned into a dynamic educational tool!

Technical details

The design journey began with a prototype – a flashcard that featured a lengthy textual description of various emotions. While effective, the feedback from our fantastic associated organizations (Save the Children, Finnish Red Cross, and Touhula Daycare) highlighted a need for a more intuitive approach. Thus, we shortened the texts to make them easier to read and understand. However, the most transformative change was yet to come.

We wanted to make these flashcards universally accessible and engaging, so instead of relying solely on text, we now present a scene on each card. This scene serves as a background, inviting players to match it with what they believe is the most appropriate emoji. This interactive aspect is further enhanced by a QR code on each card. When scanned, it reveals whether the selected emoji is a match, adding an element of gamification to the process.

A picture is worth a thousand words

By replacing text with graphics, we’ve created a tool that is not only more engaging for younger audiences but also accessible to those who may face challenges with reading. These A6-sized flashcards, featuring 20 diverse emojis, are designed to be multipurpose and user-friendly.

Beyond the game

But what is the ultimate goal of these emoji flashcards? It’s more than just a game. It’s a tool designed for educators, teachers, and volunteers, aimed at helping children articulate and understand a wide range of emotions. Whether it’s joy, sadness, surprise, or fear, these flashcards open up a dialogue about feelings in a way that is accessible and relatable to children.

Through this idea, we are not only teaching children about emotions but also empowering them to express themselves in a world where understanding and empathy are more important than ever.