Short answer
When designing gamified experiences, focus on the underlying process of making the activity more game-like, rather than simply adding points or badges.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- JMTR. (2023)
- Method
- Systematic Literature Review
- Sample
- 22 publications
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Defining gamification as a process of making activities more game-like provides a clearer framework for its application in design. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in JMTR.. Using Systematic literature review with 22 publications, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing gamified experiences, focus on the underlying process of making the activity more game-like, rather than simply adding points or badges.
A Process-Oriented Definition of Gamification Enhances Design Clarity
Defining gamification as a process of making activities more game-like provides a clearer framework for its application in design.
JMTR. · 2023
Key Findings
- 01Gamification is characterized as a process that makes activities more game-like.
- 02A clear, process-oriented definition is essential for successful gamification application.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing gamified experiences, focus on the underlying process of making the activity more game-like, rather than simply adding points or badges.
How to apply
When conceptualizing a gamified design project, start by defining the core process of making the user's interaction more game-like, then select appropriate game mechanics to support that process.
Project actions
- 01Clearly define what 'gamification' means for your specific design project.
- 02Focus on the process of making the user's experience more game-like, not just the elements you add.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a clear, actionable definition for designers.
- +Synthesizes existing research to build a foundational understanding.
Limitations
The definition might be too abstract for some practical applications, and the effectiveness of the process can vary greatly depending on the context.
Reliability & validity
The systematic review methodology enhances the reliability of the findings. Validity is supported by the synthesis of multiple academic sources, though the practical validity for diverse design scenarios requires further testing.
Think critically
How does a process-oriented definition of gamification differ from a definition focused solely on game elements, and what are the practical implications for designers?
Design Principles
"Gamification is a process of infusing game-like attributes into non-game contexts to enhance engagement and motivation."
A well-defined concept is crucial for effective design and implementation. This process-oriented definition can guide designers in creating more engaging and motivating experiences across various domains, moving beyond superficial application of game elements.
What This Means for Your Design
Think of gamification not just as adding game stuff like points, but as a way to change how an activity feels and works to be more like a game.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use the process-oriented definition to justify your approach to gamification in your design project.
- 2.Reference this definition when explaining the theoretical underpinnings of your gamified design.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This design project adopts a process-oriented definition of gamification, viewing it as the systematic integration of game-like characteristics into non-game activities to enhance user engagement and motivation. This approach guides the design by focusing on transforming the user's interaction experience rather than merely appending superficial game elements.
Source
JMTR.
Defining gamification: a systematic literature review for developing a process-oriented definition
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about a process-oriented definition of gamification enhances design clarity?
- When designing gamified experiences, focus on the underlying process of making the activity more game-like, rather than simply adding points or badges. Evidence: JMTR. (2023).
- Why does "A Process-Oriented Definition of Gamification Enhances Design Clarity" matter for design?
- A well-defined concept is crucial for effective design and implementation. This process-oriented definition can guide designers in creating more engaging and motivating experiences across various domains, moving beyond superficial application of game elements.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing gamified experiences, focus on the underlying process of making the activity more game-like, rather than simply adding points or badges.
- What were the main findings?
- Gamification is characterized as a process that makes activities more game-like.. A clear, process-oriented definition is essential for successful gamification application.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic Literature Review with 22 publications.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from JMTR..
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When conceptualizing a gamified design project, start by defining the core process of making the user's interaction more game-like, then select appropriate game mechanics to support that process.
- What are the limitations?
- The review focused on academic literature, potentially excluding practitioner-based definitions or emerging trends.