As a passionate UX designer and web developer, I am thrilled to announce the launch of the redesigned Ethnologue.com. I want to share my journey and express sincere gratitude to the incredible contributors who have made this project possible.
New home page for Ethnologue.com
Honoring Language Contributors
Ethnologue.com, an esteemed academic reference created by SIL in 1951, owes its success to the countless individuals who generously shared their language knowledge. My goal in this redesign was to honor their contributions and make language information more accessible to a wider audience.
Inspiration and Motivation
Throughout this project, I was deeply inspired by the richness of linguistic diversity and the passion of the Ethnologue community. I firmly believe that language information should be freely available to nurture understanding and curiosity about the languages that shape our world.
Enhanced Accessibility with Simplicity
Using my expertise in UX design and web development, I focused on ensuring a high level of accessibility for all users. By incorporating proven accessibility practices and adhering to web standards, I aimed to create a platform that is welcoming, user-friendly, and as inclusive as I could make it in the time we had.
Increasing Access through Free Content
In this redesign, my aim was to expand the offering of free content on Ethnologue.com. I wanted to ensure that language information reaches as many people as possible, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse languages found worldwide.
New Features
We built on the shoulders of giants. The mass of scholarly work that powers Ethnologue gave us so much to work with. Here are features that improve upon what those who came before had already built":
more accessible without using accessibility plugins
fully responsive
improved SEO
dynamic charts, interactive maps, and language trees
extensive new content available for free
At a Glance info widgets for every language, country, and the world.
Expressing Gratitude
I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to all the contributors who have shared their language knowledge with Ethnologue. This project would not have been possible without their dedication, passion, and expertise. I am humbled by the opportunity to contribute to their vision and to have the opportunity to work with an amazing team of editors and staff, especially my design and development partners, Chad White, Jonathan Hubel, Karl Nippoldt, and my wife Megan.
Conclusion
With the launch of the redesigned Ethnologue.com, I invite you to embark on a personal journey of exploration and appreciation for the languages that shape our global community. By making language information more accessible, we honor the remarkable contributions of language enthusiasts and experts worldwide. Join me in celebrating linguistic diversity and fostering a deeper connection to the cultures that thrive through the power of language.