Duolingo's CEO asserts AI cannot match the "creativity or polish" of his leading designers.
Luis von Ahn vows not to compromise his team's output by forcing unnecessary AI adoption.
The language app reversed its plan to link employee reviews to AI tool usage.

Duolingo's CEO insists AI still trails the craftsmanship of his company's artists and designers.

On the latest "Rapid Response" podcast episode aired Tuesday, Luis von Ahn shared that his staff aims to leverage AI extensively, but quality remains paramount. "We really don't want to decrease quality," he emphasized.

"AI excels in certain areas with top-tier results, but not everywhere," he explained. "We're not sacrificing standards just to incorporate AI."

Host Bob Safian probed AI's limitations, prompting von Ahn to spotlight design work.

"Our app boasts superior design thanks to our talented artists and designers," von Ahn said. "AI hasn't approached their creativity or polish levels."

Duolingo has championed AI integration publicly.

Last April, it announced employee evaluations would factor in AI usage. The firm soon reconsidered, as von Ahn noted it encouraged misuse in unsuitable contexts.

"That wasn't the right move," he admitted on the podcast. While AI boosts most roles, some tasks see no gain.

"A one-size-fits-all AI evaluation policy was overreach," he added. "We've dropped it."

AI tools are infiltrating creative fields, from marketing visuals to product interfaces.

Brands like Tapestry - owner of Kate Spade and Coach - confirm AI now supports their designers' routines.