Short answer
When designing for engagement or motivation, use a structured gamification design framework that includes research, expert input, and evaluation.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Proceedings of the ... Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences/Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (2017)
- Method
- Design Science Research (combining literature synthesis, expert interviews, method development, and expert evaluation).
- Sample
- 25 (initial experts) + 10 (evaluation experts) = 35 experts
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
A systematic, research-backed method for designing gamification elements leads to more effective and successful implementations. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Proceedings of the ... Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences/Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. Using Design science research (combining literature synthesis, expert interviews, method development, and expert evaluation). with 25 (initial experts) + 10 (evaluation experts) = 35 experts, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for engagement or motivation, use a structured gamification design framework that includes research, expert input, and evaluation.
Structured Gamification Design Methods Increase Success Rates
A systematic, research-backed method for designing gamification elements leads to more effective and successful implementations.
Proceedings of the ... Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences/Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences · 2017
Key Findings
- 01Current gamification design practices often lack a structured, evidence-based approach, leading to high failure rates.
- 02A comprehensive, structured method for gamification design can improve its effectiveness and practical utility.
- 03Expert consensus exists on key components and considerations for successful gamification design.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing for engagement or motivation, use a structured gamification design framework that includes research, expert input, and evaluation.
How to apply
When designing a product that requires user motivation or engagement (e.g., an educational app, a fitness tracker interface), use a step-by-step gamification design process.
Project actions
- 01Consider if gamification is appropriate for your project's goals.
- 02Research existing gamification strategies before designing your own.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Combines literature review with expert knowledge for a robust foundation.
- +Employs a rigorous design science research methodology.
Limitations
The specific gamification method developed in the paper might be too complex for a typical design project. The expert interviews might not fully capture the nuances of designing for diverse user groups.
Reliability & validity
The study's reliability is supported by the systematic approach and expert consensus. Validity is enhanced by combining literature synthesis with empirical data (interviews), though the reliance on expert opinion introduces potential subjectivity.
Think critically
To what extent can a 'method' truly guarantee successful gamification, or are user-specific contexts and creative intuition equally, if not more, important?
Design Principles
"Structured design processes, informed by research and expert knowledge, lead to more robust and successful product outcomes."
This research highlights that 'winging it' with gamification is a recipe for failure. For design students, it underscores the importance of a structured design process, moving beyond ad-hoc ideas to a more rigorous, evidence-based approach when incorporating game-like elements into products or systems.
What This Means for Your Design
If you want to add game-like features to something to make it more fun or engaging, it's better to follow a clear plan based on research and expert advice, rather than just guessing what might work.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use the concept of a structured design method to justify your approach to incorporating gamification elements in your project.
- 2.Refer to this study if your project involves designing a system or product that uses gamification for user engagement.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This study by Morschheuser et al. (2017) emphasizes the critical need for structured design methodologies in gamification, noting that poorly understood implementation is a primary cause of failure. By adopting a systematic approach, informed by research and expert insights, designers can significantly enhance the effectiveness and success of gamified systems, a principle directly applicable to the development of engaging user interfaces and motivational product features.
Source
Proceedings of the ... Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences/Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
How to Gamify? A Method For Designing Gamification
journal · 2017
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about structured gamification design methods increase success rates?
- When designing for engagement or motivation, use a structured gamification design framework that includes research, expert input, and evaluation. Evidence: Proceedings of the ... Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences/Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (2017).
- Why does "Structured Gamification Design Methods Increase Success Rates" matter for design?
- This research highlights that 'winging it' with gamification is a recipe for failure. For IB DT students, it underscores the importance of a structured design process, moving beyond ad-hoc ideas to a more rigorous, evidence-based approach when incorporating game-like elements into products or systems.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing for engagement or motivation, use a structured gamification design framework that includes research, expert input, and evaluation.
- What were the main findings?
- Current gamification design practices often lack a structured, evidence-based approach, leading to high failure rates.. A comprehensive, structured method for gamification design can improve its effectiveness and practical utility.. Expert consensus exists on key components and considerations for successful gamification design.
- What research method was used?
- Design Science Research (combining literature synthesis, expert interviews, method development, and expert evaluation). with 25 (initial experts) + 10 (evaluation experts) = 35 experts.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from Proceedings of the ... Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences/Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a product that requires user motivation or engagement (e.g., an educational app, a fitness tracker interface), use a step-by-step gamification design process.
- What are the limitations?
- The method's generalizability beyond information technologies was not explicitly tested. The evaluation relied on expert opinion, which can be subjective.