Popular language learning app, Duolingo , announced that it has completed a deal to acquire Detroit-based animation and motion design studio Hobbes
The studio has been working with Duolingo for more than a year to develop new features, including its newest product Duolingo Music, and other animation design systems. With the closing of the deal, Hobbes’ 12 designers, motion animators, creative strategists, creative directors and producers will join Duolingo, forming the company’s first dedicated motion design team.
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The team will remain in Detroit, where office . It is across the street from Duolingo's Detroit office.
In 2022, Duolingo acquired Gunner, another similar studio that worked on game mechanics to make the app more fun and engaging. Design and animation are at the core of the Duolingo experience, as the company wants to promote learning a new language or skill as a game rather than a boring and stressful task.
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“Design is a critical part of Duolingo’s success, particularly our use of character illustration and animation, which has really accelerated since we added Gunner to our team. Now we’ll be able to accelerate our use of motion design by adding Hobbes’ unique talents to our design team,” said Duolingo’s Chief Design Officer, Ryan Sims. Sims explained that the company can provide a more fun and enjoyable experience for users, which will result in better learning outcomes.
Duolingo also said that Hobbes' designers will help strengthen the company's animation pipeline, improve its UX, and deepen the ways in which students interact with the product.
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The partnership with Hobbes Studio offers Duolingo the opportunity to enhance the aesthetic and functional quality of products . Hobbes Studio's expertise in design and innovation allows for the development of more engaging and user-friendly interfaces.
Hobbes' experience in animation and product architecture can help create more interactive and immersive learning experiences. This can increase user engagement and improve the educational effectiveness of the platform.
The long-standing partnership between the two companies has already proven its effectiveness, as Hobbes has contributed to the development of many successful features for Duolingo. This consistency and mutual understanding creates a strong foundation for future growth and innovation.
Source: techcrunch.com
