What is gamification?
Games are widely loved, but how can they be implemented in a professional setting? The answer is gamification. The widely agreed upon definition for gamification is “the use of video game elements in non-gaming systems to improve user experience” (Deterding et al), but what exactly does that mean? Despite the name, it does not actually mean playing games at work. Gamification takes elements of a game and uses them in a different setting. If your job had a competition with “points, badges, or a leaderboard” then you have already experienced gamification (Wang et al.). However, gamification goes far beyond just adding a point system. Gamification can involve other game mechanics as well. Besides, the entertainment value of games surpasses just scoring points. Think about some popular games: Pokémon, Animal Crossing, Minecraft, what do all these games have in common? An engaging story and interactive experience. Another aspect of gamification is “a story or narrative” to keep the user engaged and excited about what comes next (Wang et al.). Adding gamification into your workplace (in any form!) can help keep employees invested in their work and their training.
Why is gamification necessary?
If you are struggling to keep employees engaged in training or they just need a kickstart, then gamification is the perfect way to do it. Trainings need to have an impact on employees, in fact it was found that “the more impactful the training, the better their job performance would be” (Deterding et al). If employees get bored during their training, or worse do not care, then the training is going to be limited in its effect. However, gamification “effectively enhances learners interest and participation” which makes them more likely to retain the content they learned (Wang et al). Additionally, if training includes gamification, employees are more likely to work efficiently through the material. Gamification can bring any training to life and create more effective workers faster and with a more positive mindset.
How can I implement gamification?
One way to add gamification is simple, add points to different activities and create a business wide competition. However, this does have some limitations because it does not actually add any engagement to the training materials themselves and developing as a professional does not stop when the competition does. Gamification can also be added within the material by building games or a storyline around it. It can also be as simple as matching games, fun sounds and rewards when completing tasks, or gamified language. However, adding gamification into your business can be a huge task and there are professionals available to help. That is where we come in. Winning Solutions, Inc. (WSI) has training solutions and experience implementing gamification into any training material. Additionally, WSI has over 27 years of experience with providing personalized technology in many forms and eLearning solutions to companies across all industries. If you need help adding gamification (or any other type of engaging eLearning solution) then contact us today to take advantage of our experienced, creative team. For more information contact at Winning Solutions, Inc.
