Gamification
Gamification is the art and science of applying game-design elements to non-game environments. From classrooms and corporate training to apps and personal productivity, gamification turns passive participation into motivated engagement.
This course explores how to use rewards, challenges, progress indicators, storytelling, and feedback loops to inspire action and increase user satisfaction — without building a game.
Course Objectives
- Understand the psychological principles behind why gamification works
- Identify appropriate contexts and audiences for gamification
- Design effective game mechanics and dynamics for engagement
- Avoid common pitfalls and “gimmick fatigue”
- Develop a gamification prototype or strategy for your project
Core Themes
1. The Psychology of Play
- Motivation theory: intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation
- The role of dopamine and reward systems
- Autonomy, mastery, and purpose in game-based thinking
2. Game Mechanics & Elements
- Points, badges, leaderboards (PBL) — and when not to use them
- Levels, challenges, timers, and feedback loops
- Balancing competition with collaboration
3. Narrative & Progression
- Using storytelling to create emotional investment
- Designing quests, milestones, and character roles
- How progression systems can drive consistency and completion
4. Designing for Engagement
- Mapping game elements to user behaviours and goals
- Identifying key performance indicators for success
- Prototyping gamified flows for onboarding, learning, or productivity
5. Ethical & Practical Considerations
- Avoiding manipulation and over-reliance on extrinsic rewards
- Accessibility, fairness, and feedback
- Real-world limitations (e.g. time, tech, culture)
How You’ll Learn
- Interactive case studies from education, UX, and corporate learning
- Design workshops with peer feedback
- Gamification canvas templates and toolkit
- A final project: applying gamification to a challenge of your choice
You’ll walk away with a deep understanding of gamification as a mindset and tool — and a tailored plan to integrate game mechanics into your own professional or creative context.
