10GamificationDo’s and Don’ts

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#1

DO open with victoryThe first user experience is critical to any motivation program. Use this touch point to engage immediately. Members should not have to search for a reason to re-engage in the future.

#2

DON’T over emphasize the mechanicsPlacing too much emphasis on your game mechanics alienates them from the core experience. Instead, focus on the dynamic. Mechanics must always symbolize something meaningful to the core experience.

#3

DO create loss aversionShow progress immediately, even if it’s small. People are far less likely to abandon their goal when they’ve already put some level of effort into achieving it.

#4

DON’T forget to show social proofHumans are social creatures by nature. We rely on others around us to inform our behavior - particularly in unfamiliar settings. Social mechanics enable this type of feedback in virtual environments.

#5

DO give your users choiceWhen you give your users choice, you create meaning at the same time. Individuals feel a sense of responsibility and empowerment when they are encouraged to choose their own path in pursuit of a goal that is personally satisfying.

#6

DON’T add the kitchen sinkGamification is not about adding as many game mechanics as possible. It’s about incorporating the best blend of game design techniques to drive targeted behaviors.

#7

DO provide a balance of challenge and achievementUnattainable goals are disengaging. Challenges with no difficulty are meaningless. Rely on the behavioral data of your community to determine which milestones to reward.

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#8

DON’T add points and walk awayLoyalty programs are well-known for assigning point values to everything and ignoring other drivers of behavior. Solid evidence now suggests that people are motivated by opportunities to earn status, to learn and master new things, and to socialize with communities of like-minded people just as they are by rewards of economic benefit.

#9

DO create success metricsThe purpose of gamification is not to increase the amount of time users spend on your website. It’s about driving key behaviors that support your business objectives. Start by identifying the behaviors that your users are currently performing. Next, identify the behaviors that you want to encourage more or less of. Now, tie those behaviors to an overall business goal and determine where to focus your resources. Enroll Watch Video Like Refer Purchase Review

#10

DON’T assume gamification is a silver bulletIf your product sucks and your customers hate you, gamification will not be a fix-all. Your users are not stupid and they will see through a meaningless application of badges and leaderboards. Focus on why people engage with your brand in the first place and leverage game design techniques to reinforce and deepen those interactions.