What is Lumi?

Lumi is a free, open-source educational app for children that takes a radically different approach to learning apps. While most educational apps use addictive design patterns to maximize screen time, Lumi is built with one core principle: respect children's wellbeing.

Lumi teaches math, grammar, and logic through short, focused learning sessions called "adventures." Each adventure contains just 5 problems and adapts to your child's skill level automatically.

The Problem with Most Educational Apps

Most children's educational apps are designed like slot machines. They use dark patterns borrowed from social media and gambling to keep kids hooked:

  • Points and virtual currencies that create artificial rewards
  • Streaks that punish missing a day
  • Leaderboards that create unhealthy competition
  • Timed challenges that induce stress and anxiety
  • Push notifications that interrupt family time
  • Flashy animations designed to overstimulate

These techniques maximize "engagement metrics" but harm children's relationship with learning and screens.

Lumi's Anti-Addictive Approach

Lumi is part of the humane technology movement. We believe educational apps should support healthy development, not exploit children's attention.

Daily Limits

Parents set a daily adventure limit (default: 3). When reached, Lumi encourages kids to play outside or read a book.

No Rewards

No points, coins, gems, or virtual rewards. Learning is its own reward. We celebrate completion, not scores.

No Streaks

Missing a day is fine. There's no punishment for taking breaks. Kids can learn at their own pace.

Calm Design

Gentle animations, warm colors, and no overstimulating effects. Designed to be peaceful, not hyperactive.

No Notifications

Lumi never sends push notifications asking kids to return. When they're done, they're done.

Adaptive Difficulty

Problems automatically adjust to your child's level. Move up after success, get easier problems after struggles.

Features

  • Learning Topics: Math, grammar, and logic exercises
  • Age-Appropriate: Content designed for young children
  • Multiple Languages: English, Portuguese, German, and French
  • Voice Support: Problems can be read aloud using text-to-speech
  • Offline First: Works without internet, all data stays on device
  • Parent Dashboard: View progress and adjust settings
  • Completely Free: No ads, no in-app purchases, no subscriptions
  • Open Source: Transparent code anyone can inspect and improve

Privacy

Lumi collects zero data. All progress and settings are stored locally on your device using browser storage. Nothing is ever sent to any server. There are no analytics, no tracking, no user accounts.

Open Source

Lumi is free and open source software released under the MIT license. You can view the source code, report issues, or contribute improvements on GitHub.

View on GitHub