Gamification refers to the use of game design elements and principles in non-game contexts. The purpose of gamification is to motivate and engage users by creating an enjoyable experience that encourages them to achieve specific goals or behaviors.
The science behind gamification is rooted in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and game design principles. In this article, we will explore the science behind gamification and how it can be used to motivate and engage users.
Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
Motivation is a key element in gamification. Intrinsic motivation is the desire to engage in an activity because it is enjoyable and satisfying. Extrinsic motivation is the desire to engage in an activity because of external rewards or pressures.
Gamification uses both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to engage users. One way gamification uses intrinsic motivation is through the use of feedback. Feedback is essential to creating a sense of progress and achievement. Feedback can come in the form of progress bars, badges, or leaderboards. These types of feedback help users understand their progress and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Another way gamification uses intrinsic motivation is through the use of narrative.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging users. Games often have a narrative that motivates players to complete tasks or overcome challenges. In gamification, a narrative can be used to create a sense of purpose and meaning. By creating a narrative that is relevant to the user, gamification can create a sense of personal investment in the experience.
Gamification also uses extrinsic motivation to engage users. Rewards and incentives are common extrinsic motivators in gamification. Rewards can come in the form of points, badges, or prizes. Incentives can be used to encourage users to complete tasks or to participate in activities. By using rewards and incentives, gamification can create a sense of competition and achievement.
Cognitive neuroscience
The science behind gamification is also rooted in cognitive neuroscience. The brain is wired to respond to certain stimuli, such as novelty, challenge, and feedback.
Games often provide these types of stimuli, and gamification can use these same stimuli to engage users.
Novelty is an important aspect of gamification. The brain is wired to respond to novel stimuli, and gamification can create novel experiences that engage users. For example, a new level or challenge can provide a sense of novelty that motivates users to continue playing.
Challenge is another important aspect of gamification. The brain is wired to respond to challenges, and games often provide challenging experiences. In gamification, challenges can be used to motivate users to complete tasks or to achieve specific goals.
Feedback is also essential in gamification. The brain is wired to respond to feedback, and games often provide immediate feedback. In gamification, feedback can be used to create a sense of progress and achievement.
Game design principles in gamification
Finally, gamification is rooted in game design principles. Game designers have spent decades refining the art of creating engaging and enjoyable experiences.
Gamification can use these same principles to create engaging and enjoyable experiences in non-game contexts.
One important game design principle is flow. Flow is the state of mind in which a person is fully immersed in an activity and feels a sense of control and enjoyment. In gamification, flow can be created by providing challenges that are neither too easy nor too difficult.
Another game design principle is a meaningful choice. Meaningful choice is the idea that players should have the ability to make choices that affect the outcome of the game. In gamification, the meaningful choice can be used to create a sense of personal investment in the experience.
Finally, gamification can use game design principles to create a sense of fun and enjoyment. Fun is an important aspect of games, and gamification can use elements of fun, such as humor and playfulness, to engage users.
In conclusion, the science behind gamification is rooted in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and game design principles.