Reflection Landscape
Educational Self-Evaluation Tool
Design & Implementation of a Physical Product Line & Digital App
Project Overview
Reflection Landscape (Arviointimaa) depicts an imaginary world designed to support a qualitative self-assessment method developed by researcher Lasse Eronen’s team of primary school teachers (Katja Figueras, Helena Järvinen, Merja Kukkonen, Päivi Ruotsalainen and Raija Savolainen) at the University of Eastern Finland in 2016. This innovative approach enhances students’ reflective skills by activating their imagination.
In practice, students use the Reflection Landscape by selecting symbols representing specific competencies, placing them on the illustration, and verbally explaining their choices. This process fosters self-awareness and encourages active participation, making the Reflection Landscape an open-ended assessment system.
Aligned with the Finnish national curriculum, the Reflection Landscape emphasizes individual strengths, helping students become more aware of their learning goals, take responsibility for their progress, and improve their self-assessment skills. Originally designed for lower primary grades, it has since been adopted by teaching trainees and other educators at the University of Eastern Finland.
Services Involved
Lasse Eronen
Education Entrepreneur & Scholar
University of Eastern Finland
I have collaborated with Eero since 2014 on multiple projects. He has proven to be an exceptionally creative and visionary thinker, both in graphic and musical solutions. At the same time, he is highly committed to logic and functionality, which has elevated our project execution to an excellent level.
Solutions created by Eero have always been delivered on time, and he has been highly attentive to the client’s needs. He’s an extremely reliable collaborator, and his contributions have been invaluable.
My Role & Contributions
Initially, I created from the ground up and licensed the graphics for the Reflection Landscape to the University of Eastern Finland. Subsequently, I developed a full A0-sized product package, including the image and plastic evaluation symbol pieces, allowing it to be used as a floor mat for group activities or as a wall display in classrooms.
Arviointimaa / Reflection Landscape Game Board © Eero Karvonen
Different Editions and Languages
I also produced an A3-size cardboard edition available in Finnish (Arviointimaa), Swedish (Reflektionslandskap), and English (Reflection Landscape), updated with redesigned evaluation pins, suitable for individuals and educational institutions. In the gallery below, you can see designs of the product and memories from a trip when Lasse Eronen introduced the Reflection Landscape to his international colleagues on a trip to the Americas.
Digital Web App
Building on the concept, I oversaw the development of a digital web service of the same name (formerly Narrapix Beta), which brought the Reflection Landscape to smart devices. I designed the user interfaces and workflows, while programmers Peetu Nuottajärvi and Rene Orosz developed the final product.
Reflection Landscape Products Animation © Eero Karvonen
Reflection Landscape demo rendered on a mobile device © Eero Karvonen
Official Website
Additionally, I designed, implemented, and host the Reflection Landscape’s website. The site includes an evaluation-focused blog, a web store, and detailed user instructions for the digital service. On the website, you can find more information on the history and use cases of the Reflection Landscape. Click on the image below to pay a visit.
Arviointimaa (Reflection Landscape) website © Eero Karvonen
Podcast Video
To further support the concept, I produced a podcast episode for YouTube, featuring researchers Lasse Eronen and Susanna Toikka, where they share their experiences and insights on using the Reflection Landscape.
Publications about Reflection Landscape
More Projects Related to the University of Eastern Finland
