Personalized Dictionary

August 19, 2006

This project uses a potpourri of technologies to allow users to construct a personalized dictionary.

Dictionaries are indispensable tools. Although every person may has a favorite dictionary, one is usually not enough. Moreover, different people need different kind of dictionaries. An international student may want dictionaries with explanation in the native language as well as pronunciation. A writer may want to have a good thesaurus. An graphic designer may want to have access to images related to the words. There is not a single dictionary that satisfies all needs.

The project will implement a Web dictionary that can be personalized. The application allows user to specify results that should be included in the dictionary lookup, which may include:

• standard dictionary lookup
• translation
• thesaurus and similar words
• explanation in languages other than English
• image
• audio/music
• encyclopedia (such as wikipedia)
• 'answers' or define
• quotations
• slang

Some examples for your reference:

• Tabbed based multiple source dictionary.
• E-translater: an Integrated dictionary with images and translation using Yahoo API.

You may use a potpourri of technology, such as Web services (e.g., using Yahoo search API, Urban Dictionary, etc), PHP, MySQL, Javascript, AJAX, etc.

There will be several major tasks:

(1) An extensive search of what dictionaries are available in the Web and how they can be accessed. Make sure the copyright and terms of use information is well studied and acceptable.

(2) Categorization of these dictionaries to make it easier for the users to personalize.

(3) Design of the layouts for selection of dictionaries and the dictionary lookup result.

(4) Although performance is not a key in the prototype, it is still important. Users should not need to wait for more than 5 seconds to see the results. The team may also opt to display results on the go.