I always disliked Duolingo with all my heart. But when 70% of my app's users turned out to be beginners, I did the same thing

The developer of the language learning app VibeLing shared their experience in product transformation. Initially, the author prioritized complete user freedom, allowing learners to choose their own materials. However, an influx of users revealed that 70% were beginners who found this lack of structure overwhelming. It became clear that most users lacked a clear path forward. Consequently, the developer revised their UX approach by incorporating gamification and linear learning elements similar to Duolingo—features they had previously criticized. This experience highlights the importance of balancing platform flexibility with guided learning for novice users. The article on Habr details the decision-making process and the architectural changes implemented to improve user retention and simplify the learning journey for beginners.