Duolingo Acquires Animation and Motion Design Studio Hobbes in Detroit
Duolingo Acquires Animation Studio Hobbes to Enhance User Experience
In a strategic move to further enhance its mobile learning platform, Duolingo, Inc. announced the completion of its acquisition of Hobbes, an animation and motion design studio based in Detroit. This acquisition marks Duolingo’s second move in this space, following the successful 2022 acquisition of Gunner, another Detroit-based design and animation studio affiliated with Hobbes.
Duolingo has been utilizing animation and motion design to amplify game mechanics and make its products more engaging for users. With the addition of Hobbes to its team, Duolingo is set to establish a dedicated motion design team within its Design department.
Ryan Sims, Chief Design Officer at Duolingo, highlighted the importance of design in the company’s success, particularly in using character illustration and animation to enhance the user experience. Sims stated, “We’re investing in the belief that a more animated product experience is more fun and delightful, and leads to better learning outcomes.”
The acquisition of Hobbes brings twelve new world-class motion designers, animators, creative strategists, creative directors, and producers to Duolingo’s existing design teams, nearly doubling the size of the company’s Detroit office. Hobbes has already been a motion design partner for Duolingo, assisting in the development of key features for Duolingo Music and other projects.
Eddy Nieto, Partner and Creative Director at Hobbes, expressed excitement about the alignment of missions between the two companies. He stated, “We strive to put animators in the driver’s seat for product design, and Duolingo’s expertise and dedication to art, design, and continuous improvement align perfectly with our mission.”
Duolingo, known as the leading mobile learning platform globally, has seen its flagship app become the world’s most popular way to learn languages. With a focus on providing a fun, engaging, and effective learning experience, Duolingo remains committed to its mission of developing the best education in the world and making it universally available.
Hobbes, a motion design studio focused on creative solutions in product design and emerging technology, has a track record of working with top companies such as Google, YouTube, Ford, Zapier, and now Duolingo.
Overall, the acquisition of Hobbes by Duolingo signals a significant investment in enhancing the user experience through animation and motion design, and sets the stage for continued innovation in the mobile learning space.
