Paivio is in beta.

The science behind Paivio

Built from memory science.
Engineered by Paivio.

We began with FSRS, the open-source scheduling algorithm also supported by Anki. On that foundation, we built our own concept-mapping, review-ordering and retrieval systems.

Where we started

The foundations of lasting knowledge.

01 / FOUNDATION

Space your practice.

Memory research shows why returning to material across separate sessions matters. Spacing is a core principle in Paivio’s review schedule.

Cepeda et al., 2006 ↗
02 / FOUNDATION

Retrieve the answer.

Actively recalling information is a central finding in learning research. Paivio puts the question before the answer so recall is part of the routine.

Roediger & Karpicke, 2006 ↗
03 / FOUNDATION

Model memory over time.

FSRS estimates memory states from review history and uses them to set the next review. That is the scheduling foundation we build on.

Anki’s FSRS documentation ↗
FSRS is the starting point

Timing is one part
of the study experience.

When should a card come back?

That is the scheduling question FSRS helps answer. Paivio uses your explicit ratings to advance that schedule, so review becomes a repeatable routine.

We built the rest of the experience around the material itself: its concepts, their relationships and the ways you practice recalling them.

Return to the material over time.

RecallStartLaterReviewReview

An illustration of spaced review

The Paivio learning system

Our own systems,
built on that foundation.

The foundation / FSRS

When to review.

FSRS models memory and schedules cards from your explicit recall ratings. It is the open-source scheduling foundation also supported by Anki.

Built by Paivio / Structure

How ideas connect.

Our concept-mapping system connects the material in your own decks. When the format your account is assigned uses the graph, on your own decks it orders reviews by prerequisite links within the due cards. It never adds a card or changes a due date.

Built by Paivio / Practice

How you work with it.

Our retrieval system brings supported card presentations into the study session. Which study mechanisms are delivered depends on the format your account is assigned. Card presentations follow a fixed policy, not your individual mastery or past mistakes. Multiple choice and matching are held back while an account is being measured in the comparison.

Our research program

Developed in-house.
Studied over time.

Paivio research

The next layer
of the system.

Our proprietary development program extends this foundation with machine-learning methods and integrated learning systems.

Research trials and patent work are underway.

We’re continuing development and completing our research trials while progressing the patent work around our proprietary methods.

We’ll make the research findings and technical details publicly available when that work is complete. The details of our ongoing development remain private for now.

This section describes ongoing research and development. The current study mechanisms are described above.

How the research is structured

A consistent foundation.
A focused comparison.

01 / FOUNDATION

Shared scheduling.

Review timing, ratings and due dates are identical across the comparison formats. Your explicit ratings remain the basis of the FSRS schedule.

02 / STUDY SYSTEMS

Fixed study formats.

Consenting accounts are assigned once to one of three fixed formats. The delivered study mechanisms vary by format.

03 / RECALL

What stays with you.

Our research measures recall at seven days or later. Participation details are available in your learning profile, and ordinary study stays available.

A closer look

About the foundation and the system.

How is Paivio connected to FSRS?

FSRS is our open-source scheduling foundation, also supported by Anki. Paivio’s concept-mapping, review-ordering and retrieval systems are separate layers built around that foundation.

What is being developed in-house?

Paivio’s own learning systems bring concept relationships, review ordering and retrieval practice together. Our ongoing research and development includes machine-learning methods.

When will the technical research be available?

We’ll publish the research findings and share technical details after the current research trials and patent work are complete.

How can I start using Paivio?

Create a free beta account, confirm your email and bring your first deck or notes.

Your next chapter

Bring one deck.
Start one session.

Create an account and make your next review a place to begin.

Free during beta · No credit card · For students 18+