![Office desk background for zoom](https://cdn1.cdnme.se/5447227/9-3/6_64e61dfae087c31b411cc5f3.png)
And since I have been learning Spanish for the longest, the dialogues ultimately remind me of the telenovelas we used to watch as we were growing up. One of my favourite features is the stories that are presented in separate episodes with very diverse and sometimes surprising plots and characters. The mobile app evolution and the character development as part of the gamification I think it makes learning more accessible and fun, especially for visual learners, which is what won my heart. When it comes to brand identity, I do indeed love Duo for being extra in the app or even on social media for that matter. Duo is social, a great communicator, and rather emotional. The shame is real, and very effective for open rates and retention. He's like a parent: you never want to disappoint Duo. Duo isn't shy about checking in or laying on a guilt trip.
![duo owl duo owl](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DxJFTo2bZ4/WV2Dm-3iWsI/AAAAAAAAN18/YLIhGXcjZjE3UCfZhHTMioCTax60VTaJACLcBGAs/w1200-h630-p-k-no-nu/July%2B6.jpg)
He's their #1 fan and biggest cheerleader. The only thing he loves more than Duolingo is seeing our learners succeed.
![duo owl duo owl](https://s3.amazonaws.com/ebaumsworld.prod/uploads1554238005613-duolingo.jpg)
For some users, gamification, badges, community leader boards that encourage competition, and daily stakes are enough for them to keep using the app. For some time, I decided to use only the desktop version and minimize distractions while learning. At one point, it got annoying, and I decided to have the app only when I am consistently studying since all the overall progress is saved to my profile anyways.
![duo owl duo owl](https://art.ngfiles.com/images/881000/881147_ethanario_dulingo-owl.png)
It was great when I was in a flow of learning and managing to do my daily stakes (in-app metrics for success and progress), but whenever I missed a lesson or two, the push notifications would pile up on my screen one after another. Having my profile since 2015, Duolingo was the application I had on and off in my phone app library.
![duo owl duo owl](https://i.etsystatic.com/7494449/r/il/d03045/770015817/il_794xN.770015817_hjc2.jpg)
The disappointment in his eyes when you don't finish your daily lesson.
![Office desk background for zoom](https://cdn1.cdnme.se/5447227/9-3/6_64e61dfae087c31b411cc5f3.png)