Anki is great but there are some people for whom it doesn't work (me, for instance).

Have you tried using Google Images for learning words?

I just write down a new word and then I don't write the translation, I'm looking for an image instead (using the target language, that's the key point!). The process itself is увлекательный, and you can see how native speakers visualize the word. It could be a bit difficult sometimes with abstract words but you can get the idea anyway.

This is the best way of learning words. I use cards instead of word-book. Great article!

What I have found most helpful is Anki (flashcards) with Memrise. 

For example

Russians are always amazed when I can remember the word <em>Предпочитать</em>. How did I come to memorize it? <em>I associated it with something in English. </em>
http://www.memrise.com/mem/424162/i-prefer-this-poochy-to-dat-one/ ;

It's a funny image which cracks me up whenever I see it.