Octave — Product, 2022
ReoAko is a plug-in that features a library of expertly translated Māori words and audio that can be added to content-managed websites. The goal of ReoAko is to contribute to the revitalisation of te reo Māori in New Zealand society.
ReoAko works by enabling website managers, who are not fluent in te reo Māori, to select words to be translated in their content management system. ReoAko then displays the te reo Māori translations within page content by using an easy to use and accessible popup interface through which readers can access translations and pronunciation content.
This was a product we developed at Octave alongside two partner groups, Te Māngai Pāho & Te Aka Māori Dictionary. My role as lead designer was to develop the user interface, user test the product and ensure that we were meeting AA accessibility standards.
This project was a winner of a gold pin in the Digital Products category at the 2022 Best Awards.
See ReoAko in Action
View Live
Octave, Te Māngai Pāho & Te Aka Māori Dictionary
Role
Lead Designer (UX & UI)
Awards
Gold in Digital Products at the 2022 Best Awards
Mike Higham, Mike Brough, Pat Horsley, Dan Brosnan, Germaine Tang, David Read, Tom de Groen
ReoAko is putting the te reo Māori language in front of 10,000’s of Kiwi’s eyes every single day, by weaving Māori words into English content, non-fluent readers are being given the opportunity to study new te reo Māori words in context, which makes new words easier to understand.
ReoAko’s influence is quickly growing with it being used by 20+ New Zealand government, large media and private organisations on their websites. It has made it extremely easy for Website managers to feel empowered to confidently integrate te reo Māori into their websites.
“[ReoAko] enables us to weave te reo Māori into our visitors’ everyday experiences with our organisation and they are extremely engaged with it.” — Asharie Martelletti, Head of Marketing, BCITO
It feels like ReoAko is making a real contribution to the revitalisation of teo reo Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand.