Global learning platform Duolingo has acquired Animade, a London-based animation and motion design studio.
The acquisition expands Duolingo’s design studio, strengthening a capability that the firm says has become increasingly important to delivering engaging product experiences and accelerating innovation.
Founded in London, Animade creates motion systems, interactive experiences and product storytelling for global technology companies and brands.
The team will join Duolingo’s design studio, increasing the company’s capacity to support product innovation, growth experiments and new creative initiatives across the business.
The acquisition also expands Duolingo’s creative presence in the UK.
“Since day one, Animade has been on a mission to share joy through thoughtful design and animation,” said Jen Judd, co-founder of Animade. “I can’t think of a more exciting place to continue that mission than at Duolingo.
“We’ve always believed it’s the thoughtful moments that leave a lasting impression, and that great design and bringing personality into every pixel can make technology feel more human. We’re thrilled to join a company that shares our passion for creativity, craft and building products that genuinely bring people joy.”
Duolingo’s language-learning platform is the top-grossing app in the Education category on both Google Play and the Apple App Store.
“Great products aren’t defined only by what they do, but by how they make people feel,” adds Mig Reyes, head of design at Duolingo.
“Motion design has become a core part of how we help learners understand, enjoy and return to Duolingo every day. Animade has built a reputation for exceptional creative craft, and bringing their team into Duolingo is an investment in the people and capabilities that will help us build even better learning experiences.”
