A kids' math app without dark patterns
I wanted to find an iPad game where my 5yo could learn math, which sounded simple. Turns out most kids' educational apps are... shady. Notifications, streak mechanics, ads for games definitely not meant for children, coin systems and flashy rewards designed to maximize engagement rather than learning. So I decided to vibe code something for her. The result is Lumi. It's a simple math app with: - No ads, no accounts, no tracking - No notifications - No coins, streaks, or variable reward nonsense - Daily limits (because kids should go play outside) - Works offline, stores everything locally -…
A kids' math app without dark patterns launched on January 14, 2026 with 12 votes, #893 of 14,584 launches that month and more than 90% of that year's launches.
In plain words
Lumi is a math learning app for young children that removes manipulative design practices found in most educational apps. It features no ads, accounts, tracking, notifications, coins, streaks, or variable rewards—instead using simple daily limits to encourage balanced screen time. The app works offline, stores data locally, and adapts problems to each child's level. Available in multiple languages, it is free and open source.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
Lumi - Educational app for children that respects their wellbeing
Most children's educational apps use dark patterns—points, streaks, leaderboards, notifications—to maximize screen time. Lumi is the opposite: we respect children's wellbeing while making learningfrom playlumi.app
In the maker’s words, at launch
I wanted to find an iPad game where my 5yo could learn math, which sounded simple. Turns out most kids' educational apps are... shady. Notifications, streak mechanics, ads for games definitely not meant for children, coin systems and flashy rewards designed to maximize engagement rather than learning. So I decided to…
Does a similar job
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