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86 points hussein-khalil | 1 comments | | 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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kacperlukawski ◴[] No.46276604[source]
Although it's in a different area, I wanted to mention https://calmcode.io/ as an excellent example of a calm learning platform.

There is a whole movement around enshittification, and I see potential in this kind of app, even though it still seems to be a niche.

replies(2): >>46277004 #>>46277054 #
1. exasperaited ◴[] No.46277004[source]
Oh, thanks for this link. Looks great and it may suit me well. I need to settle in and learn Python but I am experiencing tremendously severe dysregulation at the moment, and my normal quick deep learning is simply not happening.