We learn new things every day, no matter how small.
But everyone’s learning speed is different, and for some, it can feel like a chore when it comes to their studies.
You might feel bad for not being able to sit through theory class and understand even half of them. But what if we tell you that the real reason why you’re unable to concentrate in class, stems from something more innate? Yes, like how your brain functions!
If your brain isn’t doing what you’re telling it to, how else can you learn things more effectively?
Introducing gamification!
So What is Gamification?
Gamification is simple to understand. You introduce some fun to the hard stuff in your life!
How does that work exactly? Well, game mechanics are studied and applied.
Let’s break it down further! Here are the gamification techniques and terminologies that you should know about:
1) Points and scoring
2) Badges and achievements:
3) Leaderboards and rankings
4) Levelling up and progression
5) Challenges and quests
6) Rewards and incentive
7) Social interaction and collaboration
8) Storytelling and narrative
9) Feedback and progress tracking
10) Personalization and customization
Why Does Gamification Work?
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In the past, treating things like a game may have sounded like a derogatory way of ridiculing someone who is not taking their work seriously.
Indeed, the traditional method of learning is treated very seriously, making it inflexible and one-dimensional. It can be tough to retain good memory retention, and learning progress can also be vague and hard to monitor without a proper system in place.
This is especially true today where the average attention span is really short! We are also conditioned to be reliant on our mobile devices, taking things to the digital space for convenience.
We want to see images, we want to hear music. That is what drives our brains to ENGAGE, and feel motivated.
With gamification, we leverage both extrinsic motivators, such as money or grades, and intrinsic motivators, like personal gain or enjoyment, to enhance daily activities or specific tasks. This way, we can achieve a sense of engagement and happiness from our actions.
Where is Gamification Used Today?
Gamification is widely used today in many different contexts, from services to apps. You may be surprised to learn that more than a few recognisable brands have already integrated you into gamified habits without you realising it!
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Attracting Customers for a Second Visit!
Business and marketing. Many companies have hopped onto the trend of engaging in this way.
For example, Starbucks Rewards is a loyalty program that rewards customers with stars for purchases, allowing them to “level up” and “unlock” different perks and discounts.
When words are framed like this, it can rewire the mind to feel that tingling sensation of “progression”, making them come back for more.
Motivating You to Exercise!
Health and fitness. Nike+ Run Club joins the fray with its Nike+ app as it makes the best use out of tracking users’ progress.
Using that data, it provides achievements for personal distance milestones, and even pits you with similar-level runners on the leaderboard to encourage some friendly competition!
But if you REALLY want our recommendation, try Zombies, Run! The developers have fully embraced the silliness of a typical Hollywood thriller into your afternoon’s motivation to keep those legs movin’!
Keeping Up With Your Learning!
Education. Gamification in learning has its early roots from e-learning, a time when it was considered exciting to study with the use of a computer. Today, we’ve advanced further, pushing more uses in classrooms and various school activities.
We have DuoLingo to learn new languages. It features a similar level-up system, winning streaks, and virtual rewards! Learn more, gain more virtual currency and unlock bonus lessons, cosmetic changes and special features!
And of course, we have Kahoot! Since its release in 2013, Kahoot has become a staple in interactive classroom learning for many schools and institutes. With its catchy music and accessibility, it’s become a ‘modern tradition’ for teachers to prepare Kahoot sessions when they want to go over topics that the class has covered!
Gamification is not limited to these fields, but we’ve chosen the relatable few to get the idea across!
Now That’s What We Call, Healthy Gaming!
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See now, games aren’t all bad! When we’ve extracted the fun from games, even monotonous activities can have a fresher perspective.
Improve learning outcomes, increase engagement, and enhance user motivation.
By integrating gamification techniques into learning programs and adhering to best practices, employers and educators can reap the benefits of gamification and achieve seemingly far-reaching objectives!
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