gamification 101: learn the basics of gamification strategy

GAMIFICATION 101:Learn the Basics ofGamification Strategy

A Presentation by

A Presentation byTechnologyAdvice

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Gamifi...huh?

GAMIFICATIONis usually described as “the application of game elements to non-game contexts.”

IN SIMPLER TERMS, gamification takes the characteristics we like about games and adds them to everyday actions in order to make them more interesting.

Think about receiving points for filing paperwork, or brushing your teeth.

These game elements leverage our love of competition and reward, and use it to encourage certain actions.

By changing the way people think about behavior, gamification

can change people’s habits.

Central Conceptof

Gamification encourages behavior with instant, positive feedback.

In order to understand gamification, you have to speak the language. Like any tech industry, gamification has a lot of jargon. Let’s dive in.

USERSAnyone who participates in a gamification platform. For some companies, users will be their customers. For other companies, the users will be their employees.

FEEDBACKImmediate, positive feedback makes us feel good about completing something and motivates us to do it again. Feedback mechanics are the most widely known gamification elements.

USERSAnyone who participates in a gamification platform. For some companies, users will be their customers. For other companies, the users will be their employees.

BADGESBadges are usually awarded for actions the user has just completed. They offer a more visual display of achievement than points, and can be shown on profile pages or user accounts.

LEADERBOARDSRanking top performing users on a leaderboard broadcasts who’s get-ting the most out of the game. Lea-derboards help foster a sense of community, especially if users are joined into teams.

BADGESBadges are usually awarded for actions the user has just completed. They offer a more visual display of achievement than points, and can be shown on profile pages or user accounts.

PROGRESS Pulled from the level system of video games, progress in gamifi-cation can be as simple as telling a user when they’ve completed a required action or as a complex as moving through multiple stages of an extensive process.

REWARDSOffering rewards for completing an action isn’t a new idea. With the advent of digital media, brands are able to reward users faster than ever for actions like sharing con-tent over social media, or purchas-ing a product.

PROGRESS Pulled from the level system of video games, progress in gamifi-cation can be as simple as telling a user when they’ve completed a required action or as a complex as moving through multiple stages of an extensive process.

SOCIALRECOGNITIONBy integrating social media platforms with gamification software, businesses can empower users to share their experiences and show off their rewards. Incentives such as badges can be displayed on user’s profiles and news feeds, which increases a business’ brand awareness throughsocial proof.

Now that you have an idea of what makes gamification work...You’re probably wonderinghow to use it.

gamificationWhat should I do

with this thing?

Gamification can take many forms, so it’s important to evaluate all of your options.

Gamification services can be grouped into three categories:

SOFTWARE AS A SERVICEThe most common form of gamification, these offer-ings are entirely cloud-based. They let companies take advantage of gamification services without the need for custom software or hardware.

SaaS platforms usually give businesses a great deal of control with minimal coding or upkeep required. Because they run entirely inthe cloud, users can also access the services from any internet connected device.

CUSTOM SOFTWAREOn-premise gamification software is generally reserved for specialty industries or custom solutions.

Developers will sometimes work with companies to create unique interfaces and mechanics based around their workflow and criteria. Certain vendors even offer full-fledged game design.

DOWNWARD CHART

HARDWAREWhile gamification is usually a software-based technology, a few vendors integrate hardware into their product suites. One example of this is the company Belly, whose Belly Card rewards customers for scanning it each time they’re at a location.

REWARDSCARD

Gamification is one of the fastest growing technology trends in the world.

Gamification is one of the fastest growing technology trends in the world.

Research firm predicts that 70% of Global 2000 companies will adopt gamification by the end of 2014.

Here are 2 trends to look out for in 2014:

Land-ho!

SPECIALIZATIONAs the market continues to grow, individual firms will become increasingly specialized. Forward thinking technology vendors will follow these examples and create industry-specific solutions.

CUSTOMIZATION Innovative companies will find ways to further per-sonalize the gamification experience. Some companies are creating personal leaderboards, which only show a user’s closest competitors. This allows for a more personal experience, and doesn’t discourage lower ranking employees.

SPECIALIZATIONAs the market continues to grow, individual firms will become increasingly specialized. Forward thinking technology vendors will follow these examples and create industry-specific solutions.

Visit TechnologyAdvice.com to learn more about gamification, and see reviews of top companies.

You’ve completed GAMIFICATION 101.

CONGRATULATIONS!