Language-learning app Duolingo has made its second design acquisition following its IPO in 2021. The company announced Tuesday that it has completed a deal to acquire Detroit-based animation and motion design studio Hobbes.
The studio has been working with Duolingo for over a year to develop several features, including the new product “Duolingo Music” and other animation design systems, product architecture, etc. With the deal closing, Hobbes' 12 designers, motion animators, creative strategists, creative directors and producers will join Duolingo full-time, forming the company's first dedicated motion design team.
The team will remain in Detroit and will be based across the street from Duolingo's Detroit office, which the company said will nearly double in size.
The deal price wasn't immediately released, but the acquisition was made through cash and stock compensation to the acquisition team. Duolingo described the deal as more of a “hire by acquisition” deal, according to TechCrunch.
Prior to this, Duolingo acquired Gunner in 2022. Gunner was another Detroit-based animation and motion design studio that worked on developing game mechanics to make the app more fun and engaging. Design and animation are at the core of the Duolingo experience, making learning a new language or skill feel like a game, rather than a frightening task.
“Design is a critical component to Duolingo's success, and our use of character illustrations and animations in particular has really accelerated since Gunner joined the team. Adding Hobbes' unique talents to our design team will allow us to accelerate our use of motion design,” said Ryan Sims, Duolingo's chief design officer, in a statement. “We're invested in the belief that more animated product experiences are more fun, more satisfying, and lead to better learning outcomes.”
In addition to having a dedicated in-house motion design team, Duolingo said Hobbes' designers will help strengthen the company's animation pipeline, improve UX and deepen the way learners interact with the product.