Zack Reneau-Wedeen

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Duolingo: Machine Learning Our Forgetfulness
Zack Reneau-Wedeen
Posted on November 13, 2018 at 6:56 pm
Duolingo is using machine learning to build a fun, personalized, and effective language learning experience.

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On November 15, 2018, Zack Reneau-Wedeen commented on GE’s additive capability; Is it a future of GE or just another potential business for divesture? :

Super interesting article, Daichi! Really well laid out with a number of important facts and figures. I agree with how you have balanced optimism about 3D printing along with skepticism about whether or not GE stands to benefit relative to other companies that need more customization and may be scrappier about implementation.

On November 15, 2018, Zack Reneau-Wedeen commented on Crowdsourcing at Adidas – Be The Designer :

Interesting article, and I like the comment from ABCDEF as well! I agree that it’s uncertain whether this can move the needle for Adidas. Even if it is not a huge driver of creativity and eventually sales, I do agree they should lean into it from a brand marketing perspective. It’s cool that they are trying this, and I bet it would help bring more people into the fold to publicize things more.

On November 15, 2018, Zack Reneau-Wedeen commented on Make Tonight Unforgettable with HotelTonight :

Interesting essay! I believe Hotel Tonight can maintain a competitive advantage. I am a frequent user, and I appreciate how easy it is to use and how it is geared toward last-minute travelers. Even though the other services are useful and may have similar machine learning chops, they are not solving this specific problem as intently. Over time, they have branched out into more traditional products as well, such as status discounts.

On November 15, 2018, Zack Reneau-Wedeen commented on How AI Positions LinkedIn to Solve the Global Skills Gap :

Very interesting take, Taylor! I agree that approaching problems through the lens of AI and machine learning can be a differentiator for tech companies, as long as they are best-in-class at AI. The same way Apple focuses on design and Walmart focuses on price, AI-powered experiences will be widespread and differentiated enough to merit similar consideration. Given LinkedIn’s unique datasets, they are definitely in a position to capitalize.

On November 15, 2018, Zack Reneau-Wedeen commented on LittleBits: Open Innovation Fueled by Open Imagination :

I enjoyed reading this great essay on a topic near and dear to my heart! Your narrative voice is articulate and clear and comes through recognizably in your writing. We learned first-hand how breadboards can be hard to use, and it’s important to have more intuitive stepping stones for younger children. I also agree with some commenters that open innovation and open imagination work well together and are not at odds — copying great work is often a great way to train your brain for novel invention. Your question about whether this can come to the masses is a good one, though. Perhaps their current education market is large enough for their long-term ambitions, or maybe they have their eyes set on more commercial use cases.

On November 15, 2018, Zack Reneau-Wedeen commented on Combatting Food Shortages—Have No Fear, Machine Learning Is Here :

Interesting and clearly organized essay on a hugely important topic! I didn’t know the scale to which farmers will have to grow in terms of feeding people, and before TOM it wouldn’t have been as intuitive to me how important forecasting is to efficiency. The point on partnerships was also particularly insightful — Beyond Indigo I wonder if there are also other ways to partner with organizations that have shorter lead-times for producing food and can be more dynamic in adjusting to demand and unexpected events like disasters.