Southdakota Chronicle

Have you ever wondered how Duolingo has transformed language learning behaviors and enriched countless lives? It’s a revolutionary app with more users than there are public school students in the U.S. What’s the key to Duolingo’s widespread success? The answer is straightforward – It’s a gamified learning experience, crafted by a dedicated team of creative minds. Among these innovative talents is Yi “Natsume” Chen, a current product designer at Duolingo.

In an era where many brands focus solely on solving user and business problems, Yi “Natsume” Chen stands out. He uniquely marries art with gamification in his approach to design. An award-winning multidisciplinary designer, Chen is skilled at weaving compelling stories and crafting engaging experiences for his audience. Originating from a small city in Jiangsu, China and now making his mark in New York City, Chen’s journey paints a vivid picture of how fun and culturally-aware products are brought to life, underscoring the significant societal and community benefits of creativity and cultural diversity.

Yi was born in Changzhou, a small city in Jiangsu, China. His fascination with Japanese video games during his early school years spurred him to teach himself Japanese—a decision that would later have a profound impact on his life. Before moving to the U.S., Yi embarked on several innovative design projects. Among them were ‘Focusventure,’ an adventure game designed to help players maintain focus; ‘FUNKEY,’ an award-winning concept that gamified password creation and input; and ‘Cuisino,’ a game that makes healthy meal selection easier for those struggling with dietary decisions.

In 2022, Yi Chen joined the esteemed design team at Duolingo, working primarily on gamified experiences that aid users in studying foreign languages. He emphasizes the intricacies of his role, stating, “It involves thinking through game items and monetization strategies while simultaneously collaborating with learning scientists to devise effective solutions.”

Yi’s innovative projects have not gone unnoticed; Duolingo’s senior leadership has hailed his work for driving significant user growth and increasing revenue. He masterminded a feature that led to an impressive ~40% rise in in-app purchases within the timed challenge game according to the experiment, playing a crucial role in both enhancing user enjoyment and boosting monetization. Furthermore, Yi’s design of an inventive screen contributed to a substantial ~10% surge in premium subscriptions, aligning seamlessly with Duolingo’s dual objectives of profitability and supporting equitable education.

However, Yi’s commitment extends beyond revenue generation. “We’re always reminded to prioritize learners and consider our audience,” he shares. As a member of a minority group, Yi believes in the profound impact of his work, explaining, “I understand how this can assist individuals grappling with life in this country, and that’s why I pour my wholehearted passion into what I do here.”

Duolingo’s influence is substantial; it has aided many foreign workers in securing jobs in the U.S., particularly within Latin American and Asian communities. The Duolingo English Test has also provided millions of international students with opportunities to study in the U.S., including institutions like Yale, Duke, and Pratt Institute—Yi’s alma mater.

A language learner himself, Yi is deeply aware of the challenges and insights that come with mastering a foreign language. As a part of the AAPI community, he embodies the power of diversity in society. He actively promotes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) conversations within the company, providing support for employees from similar backgrounds. Beyond his professional duties, Yi lends his expertise to his artist and designer friends in the community, aiding in art creation, curation, and publishing.

In a reflective comment, Yi encapsulates his design philosophy, stating, “Design goes beyond mere problem-solving; it’s truly about storytelling.” This ethos resonates through his work at Duolingo, where he infuses his personal background and expertise into each project.

Moreover, Yi extends his impact beyond his primary role by mentoring emerging designers. He underscores the importance of considering the audience perspective, advising, “When you articulate your story, bear in mind your audience—they are your end users too.” Encouraging introspection, he urges designers to align their work with their identities and passions, asserting, “Your creations should not only embody your passion, but also serve as an expression of your individuality.”

As we look to the future, we eagerly anticipate more inspiring and innovative contributions from Yi at Duolingo. His continued explorations in design promise to further elevate the learning experience for Duolingo’s vast user base, making language acquisition an even more engaging and rewarding journey.

Media Contact
Company Name: Duolingo
Contact Person: Yi Chen
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://www.natsume.design