Introduction to AI-First Approach
Duolingo is embracing a new approach: becoming AI-first. This means that the company will prioritize the use of artificial intelligence in its operations and decision-making processes. The goal is to leverage AI to enhance the learning experience, improve efficiency, and drive growth.
Why AI-First?
AI is revolutionizing the way work gets done, and it’s not a matter of if or when, but rather a reality that’s already happening. In 2012, Duolingo made a similar bet on mobile technology, which paid off and helped the company win the 2013 iPhone App of the Year. Now, the company is making a similar call with AI, recognizing its potential to drive significant improvements.
The Benefits of AI
AI is not just a productivity boost; it’s a key enabler of Duolingo’s mission to provide high-quality education to its users. By automating content creation, AI helps the company scale its offerings more efficiently. For instance, AI-powered content creation has replaced a slow, manual process, allowing Duolingo to provide more content to its learners faster. Additionally, AI enables the development of features like Video Call, which was previously impossible to build. This feature has the potential to provide teaching that’s on par with the best human tutors.
Rethinking Work Processes
To become AI-first, Duolingo needs to rethink its work processes. This means starting from scratch in many cases, rather than making minor tweaks to existing systems. The company recognizes that this will take time and may require some trade-offs on quality. However, the goal is to move with urgency and take advantage of the opportunities that AI presents.
Guiding Principles
To support this shift, Duolingo is introducing several guiding principles:
- Gradually stopping the use of contractors for work that can be handled by AI
- Incorporating AI use into hiring and performance evaluation processes
- Only approving headcount increases if a team cannot automate more of their work
- Implementing initiatives to fundamentally change how different functions work
Supporting Employees
Despite the emphasis on AI, Duolingo remains committed to its employees. The goal is not to replace human workers with AI but to remove bottlenecks and enable employees to focus on creative work and high-value tasks. To support this, the company will provide more training, mentorship, and tooling for AI in various functions.
Conclusion
Duolingo’s AI-first approach is a significant step forward for the company. By embracing AI, Duolingo can better deliver on its mission, provide more value to its users, and stay ahead of the curve in using this technology. While change can be challenging, the company is confident that this shift will have a positive impact on both its employees and its users. With the right approach and support, Duolingo is poised to thrive in an AI-driven world.
