The Product Experience
How Duolingo built an AI conversation bot - Zan Gilani (Principal Product Manager, Duolingo)
Mar 12, 2025
Zan Gilani, Principal Product Manager at Duolingo, shares intriguing insights into the AI avatar, Lily, enhancing language learning through conversation practice. He discusses the challenges of creating engaging conversational AI and emphasizes emotional well-being in the learning process. Zan also reveals Duolingo's innovative approach to gamification and user engagement, and how strategic A/B testing has shaped their product evolution. The conversation wraps up with valuable lessons on measuring success in learning products and scaling effectively.
27:23
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Quick takeaways
- Duolingo's AI avatar, Lily, enhances conversational practice by simulating authentic dialogues, making language learning more engaging and personalized.
- The importance of creating a stress-free learning environment encourages risk-taking among learners, allowing for organic language improvement without immediate feedback.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Duolingo and AI Integration
Zan Galani, a Principal Product Manager at Duolingo, details his journey from marketing intern to leading innovative projects within the company. He emphasizes how Duolingo has evolved from a small team of fewer than 40 people to a workforce of over 800, marking its success as a critical player in the educational technology space. The integration of AI into their learning platform is exemplified through the introduction of Lily, an AI avatar designed to enhance conversational practice for language learners. This ambitious move allows users to engage in real-time dialogues, simulating authentic interactions to improve language fluency.
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