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Ask HN: Is building a calm, non-gamified learning app a mistake?

86 points hussein-khalil | 1 comments | 15 Dec 25 15:48 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source

I’ve been working on a small language learning app as a solo developer.

I intentionally avoided gamification, streaks, subscriptions, and engagement tricks. The goal was calm learning — fewer distractions, more focus.

I’m starting to wonder if this approach is fundamentally at odds with today’s market.

For those who’ve built or used learning tools: – Does “calm” resonate, or is it too niche? – What trade-offs have you seen when avoiding gamification?

Not here to promote — genuinely looking for perspective.

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drakonka ◴[15 Dec 25 16:20 UTC] No.46276522[source]▶
I'd love an app like this. I usually go through my Anki deck in bed before sleep and in the morning and am always on the lookout for other language learning methods. Being in bed, I don't want anything too gamified or exciting during that time. Just some calm/chill practice before I sleep.
replies(1): >>46276730 #
codyb ◴[15 Dec 25 16:35 UTC] No.46276730[source]▶
Immersion's best in my experience... and you can create immersion

Things I do more and more often as time goes in Spanish

- Subtitles in Spanish always on whenever possible

- Audio (music (just bought some Bad Bunny), television, sports broadcasts)

- Order in Spanish

- Interfaces in Spanish (computers, televisions, phones)

- Text friends

- Consume news

- Read wikipedia when I need information

- Take notes for work and life

- Play videogames

It really starts compounding, my goal is to stop using the Anki decks entirely in 2026. At that point I should be able to start learning whatever my next goal is in Spanish so that I can continue using my Spanish while working on... cooking or whatever it is I want to focus in on next

replies(1): >>46276857 #
1. drakonka ◴[15 Dec 25 16:45 UTC] No.46276857[source]▶
Totally agree and I do all those things. My desire for a calm, non-gamified learning app would not be a replacement for all other methods.