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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: 0.199s | 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.

1. boplicity ◴[16 Dec 25 19:08 UTC] No.46292885[source]▶
You need to get more specific about your market. General language learning is too broad of a category in order to make informed choices.

Who are your ideal customers -- and how can you serve them best?

"Calm" is not a niche, its a style.

A niche is your position relative to the people you're serving.

Learning apps serve huge varieties of markets, with very different needs. For example, math apps designed to supplement math education in an elementary school environment, versus a language learning app designed for someone traveling to a X country in 3 months...

Your questions should be anchored to very specific audiences that you can actually reach.