Developing a Math App for Students like Prodigy

For a lot of students out there, math has become a battleground, a subject to endure rather than explore. But what if we can make this subject a bit more fun? Prodigy, a game-based maths learning app, has achieved just that!

With over 50 million users journeying through its fantastical world and countless teachers singing its praises, Prodigy has ignited a passion for math in a generation. This success story highlights the outstanding potential of educational apps to not only boost learning but also foster a lifelong love of math. In this guide, we’ll explore the secrets behind Prodigy’s magic, equipping you with the knowledge to build your own captivating math app. Let’s transform math from a struggle into a thrilling adventure for the next generation of learners!

What is the Prodigy App?

Prodigy, developed by Prodigy Education (formerly Prodigy Game), is an award-winning educational app launched in 2011. Co-CEOs Alex Peters and Rohan Mahimker envisioned a way to make math learning engaging for students. Their creation, Prodigy Math, launched in 2011, uses an RPG format where students solve curriculum-aligned math problems to progress through the game. This innovative approach not only makes math fun but also helps students in grades 1 to 8 build core math skills.

How Prodigy Sets Itself Apart?

Prodigy Math carves out a distinct space by transforming math practice into an engaging role-playing game adventure. This strategy stands out from the crowd compared to traditional rote memorization methods, which can be dull and lose a student’s interest quickly. Prodigy’s platform, “Prodigy World,” is packed with features that go beyond just battling and quests. Students can customize their avatars with a variety of clothing and accessories. 

Earning in-game rewards through “mastery” of math concepts allows them to unlock new items and even fantastical pet companions called “Prodigy Pets” that can join them on their adventures. The “Member’s Shop” offers exclusive items and pets for those who choose to subscribe, while the “Bounty Board” provides daily challenges for students seeking extra practice and rewards. Apart from that, leaderboards add a layer of friendly competition, allowing students to compare their progress with classmates in a motivating way.

Key Market Takeaways for Maths Training Apps

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global math training app market size is projected to experience a CAGR of 8.20% from 2023 to 2030. However, the current market is expected to see even faster growth due to several key factors specific to the region.

Source: Cognitive Market Research

One major driver is the increasing adoption of mobile learning across the globe. Students are becoming more comfortable learning on smartphones and tablets, making math training apps a convenient and accessible option. This trend is particularly prevalent in developing regions, where mobile devices are often the primary way to access educational resources. For instance, BYJU’S, a leading e-learning platform, has witnessed explosive growth in recent years by offering mobile-first learning experiences, with math being a core subject area.

Furthermore, a growing emphasis on STEM education is creating a strong demand for effective math learning tools. Parents and educators are increasingly seeking out engaging and interactive ways to supplement traditional math instruction. Math training apps can fill this gap by providing a personalized and gamified learning experience that caters to different learning styles and age groups. 

Recognizing this need, companies like Samsung are strategically partnering with educational app developers to pre-load these apps on their tablets, making them readily available to students. By capitalizing on these trends and forging strategic partnerships, businesses in the math training app market can position themselves for significant success.

Some of the Interesting Features of the Prodigy Maths App

Nowadays, educational apps like Prodigy are captivating students and fostering a love for numbers. Here are some essential features that make Prodigy a success, 

1. Game-based Learning 

At the core of Prodigy’s appeal is its game-based learning approach, which transforms traditional math practice into an enjoyable experience. By integrating game mechanics, Prodigy motivates students to tackle math problems with enthusiasm.

2. Engaging Gameplay Elements

Students navigate through Prodigy’s virtual world, encountering math challenges that are integrated into the gameplay. This immersive experience keeps them engaged and encourages repeated use of the app for skill development.

3. Rewards and Incentives for Students

Prodigy incentivizes learning through in-game rewards such as pets, items, and access to new game areas. These rewards act as motivators, prompting students to strive for correct answers and deeper mastery of mathematical concepts.

4. Personalized Learning Experience

One of Prodigy’s strengths lies in its ability to adapt to each student’s learning pace and proficiency level. The app dynamically adjusts the difficulty of questions to ensure a personalized learning path for every user.

5. Curriculum Alignment with Educational Standards

Prodigy aligns its content with educational standards like Common Core and TEKS, ensuring that students practice skills relevant to their grade level. This alignment enhances its utility as a supplementary tool in classroom settings.

6. Wide Range of Math Topics Covered

From arithmetic to algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis, Prodigy offers a comprehensive coverage of math topics. This breadth allows students to explore various areas of mathematics within a single platform.

7. In-Game Assessments and Quizzes

To assess comprehension and identify areas needing improvement, Prodigy incorporates assessments and quizzes into its gameplay. These features provide real-time feedback to students and educators alike.

8. Teacher and Parent Tools for Monitoring Progress

Educators and parents can monitor students’ progress through Prodigy’s tracking tools. They gain insights into mastered skills and areas requiring additional support, facilitating targeted teaching and learning interventions.

9. Assignments and Assessments for Students

Teachers utilize Prodigy to assign specific math skills for practice and create custom assessments. This functionality supports differentiated instruction strategies tailored to individual student needs.

10. Integration into Classroom Activities

Prodigy seamlessly integrates into classroom activities, enhancing traditional teaching methods with interactive learning experiences. Its adaptability makes it a versatile tool for reinforcing math concepts during lessons.

11. Social Interaction within the App

Students can interact socially within the Prodigy platform, fostering collaborative learning experiences. This social component adds a layer of engagement beyond individual skill practice.

12. Parent Premium Memberships

While Prodigy offers free access to core educational content, it provides premium memberships with exclusive benefits like special pets, member-only areas, and accelerated progress. These memberships cater to families seeking enhanced learning features.

Cost Breakdown of Developing a Math App like Prodigy

Stage	Description	Estimated Cost Range	Factors Affecting Cost
Research & Planning	Market research, concept development, educational content creation	$5,000 – $30,000	– Depth of market analysis – Complexity of app concept – Expertise of content creators
Front-End Development	User Interface (UI) Design & Development	$50,000 – $200,000+	– Level of detail & complexity of UI (2D vs. 3D elements) – Features like character customization and animations – Chosen frameworks (React Native, Unity)
*	UI Design	$10,000 – $50,000+	– Design style (cartoon characters, environments) – Amount of animation storyboards
*	Front-End Development	$40,000 – $150,000+	– Basic functionalities (navigation, interactions) vs. advanced features (social, real-time)
Back-End Development	Server-side development & Database development	$30,000 – $100,000+	– Complexity of features (adaptive learning, real-time multiplayer) – Amount and type of data stored
*	Server-Side Development	$20,000 – $60,000	– User authentication, data storage & communication – Integration of advanced features (algorithms, multiplayer)
*	Database Development	$10,000 – $40,000	– Scalability to handle user data & content growth – Security measures for user information
App Features	Gamification elements, Reporting & Analytics, Content Management System (CMS)	Highly Variable	– Complexity of reward systems & animations – Level of data visualization & customization – Ease of adding new content
*	Gamification Elements	$10,000 – $75,000+	– Visual design of points, badges, characters – Integration with in-app reward systems
*	Reporting & Analytics	$15,000 – $40,000	– Granularity of student performance data – Customization options for reports (parents vs. teachers)
*	Content Management System (CMS)	$10,000 – $20,000	– Ease of use for educators & content creators – Features for adding new content types
Testing & Quality Assurance	Functionality testing & Usability testing	$15,000 – $30,000	– Number of devices & operating systems tested – Depth and frequency of usability testing sessions
UI/UX Design Iteration	Refining user interface and experience based on testing feedback	$5,000 – $15,000	– Number of iterations required for optimal UX
Total Estimated Cost Range		$80,000 – $250,000+

While the cost table provides a helpful starting point, several variable factors can significantly impact the overall development cost of your math app. Here’s a closer look at some key considerations:

1. Complexity of Math Content

The depth and breadth of math concepts covered in your app directly affect development costs. Basic arithmetic operations will require less time and resources compared to integrating complex algebra or geometry problems. Businesses need to weigh the target audience’s age and desired learning outcomes when determining the level of math content complexity.

2. Adaptive Learning Algorithms

Implementing sophisticated algorithms that personalize learning paths based on student performance is a powerful tool but comes at a cost. Businesses must weigh the benefits of adaptive learning against development costs, considering factors like the app’s target age group and desired level of personalization.

3. Integration with Educational Standards

Aligning your app’s curriculum with established educational standards can require additional research and development efforts. Businesses should consider the target market and potential user base (schools, homeschooling families) when deciding whether to prioritize alignment with specific educational frameworks.

4. Content Update Frequency

The frequency of adding new math problems, learning modules, and narrative content can significantly impact ongoing development costs. Businesses need to establish a sustainable content creation strategy that balances user engagement with budget constraints.

How will the App Assess Student Progress and Provide Feedback? 

Effective assessment and feedback are vital for any educational app, and math apps are no exception. Companies looking to develop engaging and successful math apps should prioritize features that go beyond simply grading answers as correct or incorrect.

One powerful approach is to utilize adaptive learning algorithms. These algorithms analyze student performance in real time and adjust the difficulty level of the problems accordingly. Students struggling with a concept will receive targeted practice, while those who grasp the material can move on to more challenging problems. This personalized approach makes sure that students are neither bored nor overwhelmed, keeping them motivated and engaged in the learning process.

Another valuable tool is the use of personalized feedback loops. Instead of simply providing a letter grade, the app can offer specific explanations for incorrect answers and point students toward helpful resources. This targeted feedback helps students understand their mistakes and learn from them, leading to a deeper comprehension of the math concepts. By incorporating these assessment and feedback methods, businesses can create math apps that not only test knowledge but also actively guide students toward mastery.

How to Develop a Maths App like Prodigy?

Developing a math app like Prodigy is an intricate and multifaceted process that requires meticulous planning, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of educational content. 

By leveraging comprehensive strategies and aligning the app with established educational standards, companies can create an engaging and effective learning tool like Prodigy. Here’s how,

1. Conceptualization and Planning:

To begin, defining the target audience is pivotal. Understanding the age groups and grade levels that the app will cater to determines the complexity of math content and the style of game design required. Aligning the app’s curriculum with established educational standards such as Common Core ensures relevance and acceptance in educational settings.

2. Game Design:

The core of a successful math app lies in its game design. Integrating elements from popular genres like RPGs or adventure games can enhance engagement. Developing a compelling storyline, well-rounded characters, and an effective reward system motivates users to persist in their learning journey.

3. Technology Stack:

Choosing the right technology stack is crucial. Opting for platforms like iOS, Android, or cross-platform solutions impacts development feasibility and reach. Selecting appropriate programming languages, robust game engines, and scalable backend infrastructure ensures smooth performance and user satisfaction.

4. Content Development:

Creating a comprehensive math curriculum is fundamental. Structuring content to progress logically from fundamental to advanced concepts accommodates diverse learning needs. Implementing a dynamic question generation system and interactive activities enriches user engagement and learning outcomes.

5. App Development:

Front-end development focuses on crafting an intuitive user interface that facilitates seamless interaction. Back-end development involves building secure systems for user authentication, data management, and performance monitoring. Implementing adaptive game mechanics ensures that the app adjusts difficulty levels based on user proficiency.

6. Testing and QA:

Thorough testing across various devices and platforms is critical to identifying and rectifying any technical issues. Ensuring the app functions flawlessly and delivers an optimal user experience is paramount before deployment.

7. Additional Features:

Incorporating supplementary features like teacher and parent dashboards enhances the app’s utility in educational contexts. Social features such as multiplayer modes and leaderboards foster collaboration and competition, further boosting engagement.

8. Deployment and Marketing:

Launching the app on major app stores requires meticulous preparation. Developing a robust marketing strategy, leveraging social media, and forging partnerships with educational institutions amplify visibility and user acquisition.

9. Monetization:

Monetization strategies include freemium models offering basic features for free and premium subscriptions unlocking advanced content. In-app purchases for virtual items or enhancements provide additional revenue streams.

10. Important Considerations:

Collaboration with educators and subject matter experts ensures educational efficacy. Prioritizing child safety through stringent privacy measures and accessibility features ensures inclusivity. Commitment to continuous improvement based on user feedback sustains relevance and user satisfaction.

How Prodigy Generates Revenue? 

Prodigy, the engaging math adventure game, doesn’t rely on traditional subscription fees to turn a profit. Instead, it leverages a freemium model with strategic in-app purchases to generate revenue. Here’s a breakdown of their key money-making mechanisms:

1. Freemium Model

Prodigy offers a core version of its app for free, ensuring accessibility to a broad audience of students. This strategy aligns with their mission to make educational tools widely available while encouraging user engagement through interactive gameplay.

2. Parent Premium Memberships

A key component of Prodigy’s revenue strategy is its premium memberships tailored for parents. These memberships, available on a monthly or annual basis, unlock exclusive benefits for their children. Features like in-game items, member-only areas, and accelerated progress incentives enhance the user experience, enticing parents to invest in their child’s educational growth.

3. In-App Purchases

Utilizing a virtual currency system, Prodigy enables players to purchase items and upgrades within the game using real money. This strategy not only enhances gameplay by offering customization options but also drives incremental revenue through microtransactions.

4. School and District Licenses

Prodigy extends its revenue streams by offering discounted licenses to educational institutions. These licenses provide access to premium features for all students within a school or district, including enhanced teacher tools and comprehensive educational resources. This approach not only fosters widespread adoption but also establishes long-term partnerships with educational entities.

5. Advertising and Partnerships

While primarily focused on premium memberships and in-app purchases, Prodigy occasionally incorporates limited advertising within the app. These strategic placements, along with partnerships with brands and organizations, further diversify revenue streams while maintaining relevance to their educational mission.

Conclusion 

The educational sector is experiencing a significant transformation, with a growing importance on STEM education and the increasing integration of technology in classrooms. Math apps, with their ability to gamify learning and personalize the educational experience, are well-positioned to address these evolving needs. By offering engaging content, adaptive learning algorithms, and curriculum alignment, math apps can not only improve student engagement but also empower educators with valuable data and insights.

This presents a great opportunity for companies in the edtech sector. By developing innovative and effective math apps, companies can not only contribute to improved learning outcomes for students but also capture a share of the rapidly growing math training app market.

Looking to Enter The Edtech Market by Developing a Maths App like Prodigy?

Idea Usher can help! With over 500,000 hours of development experience in educational technology, our team of experts can craft a Prodigy-like masterpiece. We leverage cutting-edge technologies like adaptive learning algorithms and gamification to create an immersive experience that personalizes learning journeys and ignites a passion for math. Let Idea Usher transform your vision into a reality that educates and entertains.

FAQs

Q1: What are the features of a maths app?

Effective math apps engage users through a blend of features. Gamification with points, rewards, and leaderboards keeps things fun and motivates progress. Adaptive learning personalizes the experience, adjusting the difficulty to match the user’s skill level. Engaging content like storylines and puzzles goes beyond rote memorization, while progress tracking allows students and parents to monitor learning and celebrate achievements. Some apps even incorporate AR or real-world applications to make math concepts more relatable.

Q2: How much math is needed for app development?

The amount of math required for app development varies depending on the app’s complexity. Basic arithmetic and algebra are crucial for most apps. For math-focused apps, understanding concepts like statistics, probability, and linear algebra can be beneficial when implementing features like adaptive learning or in-app purchases. However, many tasks leverage existing libraries and frameworks, so strong problem-solving skills and logical thinking are often more important than mastering advanced math equations.

Q3: How to create a maths app?

A3: Crafting a successful math app requires a multi-step approach. First, define your target audience and tailor the content and difficulty level accordingly. Gamification is essential, incorporating points, rewards, and challenges to keep users engaged.  Next, leverage adaptive learning to personalize the experience, adjusting difficulty based on performance. Engaging content beyond just problems is key, with storylines and AR possibilities adding another dimension. Finally, consider offering progress tracking for both students and parents to monitor learning and celebrate achievements.

Q4: How much time will it take to develop a maths app?

A4: Development timelines for math apps vary greatly depending on complexity. A basic app with core features like gamification and adaptive learning could take around 6-12 months for a team with strong expertise. However, integrating features like AR or AI tutors can significantly extend development time, potentially reaching 18 months or more. The key lies in clearly defining your app’s functionalities and partnering with an experienced development team to ensure efficient resource allocation.