Brilliant: Learn by doing 4+

54 years old & having fun improving my brain functions

I decided to conquer my fears of inadequacy and stay open to this app, and even in one week I can see how it’s paying off. About six months ago, I tried it but was quickly intimidated and even uninstalled the app. This time, however, I’m staying open and not judging myself when I get incorrect answers. (Although once I did judged the app developers for an “incorrect” answer of mine, but while writing a feedback to them for why their answer and explanation to their answer were incorrect, I realized why their answer was right and what I had missed in my own deductive training to have tracked the incorrect conclusion. LOL.) I do get a nice little dopamine hit though when I see that “Correct!” after hitting “submit.”

The program presents in a way that is really encouraging to just get in there and work my mind in new ways. I noticed I feel better and more organized in my thinking when I start my day with about 20+ minutes of these kinds of brain exercises in the morning. So I have my coffee and breakfast while working through some problems in a relaxed way.

I’m looking forward to trying other courses/programs after I finish the Logic one.

Good but…(and disappearing courses)

The basics are very, very good: the explanations, UI, questions, graphics, etc. But for the cost of the subscription, I expect more. For example, it lacks the ability to easily review past information. Yes you can take notes, and I do, but that negates the concept of learning on the go, whenever you have a moment to do so. Learning a little at a time, it is easy to forget some of what you’ve already done. Yes, that information is contained inside of the lessons and you can go back and look at that lesson individually. But, the courses need to have an ongoing summary review of information you’ve already covered, like a student would in a notebook. It would also be helpful to have a quiz of randomly selected information you’ve already covered, like Duolingo provides.

Secondly, and most frustrating, is that in the last year that I’ve subscribed, courses have disappeared. Specifically “Chemical reactions” I started it and needed to pause to focus on other things and now when I’ve gone back, it’s been removed. I mention this one specifically because I still have my notes, but I recall there being other similar college level courses. A lot seems to have been removed. What initially attracted me to Brilliant was being able to review many of my undergraduate college courses like chemistry, math, and physics. Brilliant say content is continually being added but nothing abut it being removed.

Developer Response ,

Thanks so much for your detailed feedback—we’re glad to hear you value Brilliant’s approach and presentation. We understand the importance of easier review tools and consistent course availability. Your suggestions are insightful, and we’ll share them with our team as we continue to improve the learning experience.