Gamification is a trendy idea, but for the most part it doesn’t bring the expected benefits. Here’s how it often goes wrong in a work environment, and how to successfully use game mechanics.
Gamification is one of those ideas that seems elegant in its simplicity. At its core, gamification applies “game mechanics” to everyday activities. Consider a simple game like Tic-Tac-Toe. There are well-defined rules, a clear path to victory, and a defined amount of time during which the game occurs. For example, even these simple mechanics can be applied in the workforce by adding game-like elements to a process like checking out a customer in a grocery store. Each successful payout can be considered a “win”, with the score presented at the end of the shift along with the daily “winner”.
Just as there are games that are significantly more complex than Tic-Tac-Toe, there are also more complex game mechanics that can be applied in a business context. If you signed up for an online service, you may have seen a “progress bar” that encourages you to complete additional steps to “level up”. Similarly, you may have received a badge or virtual award for providing your email address or adding a photo to your profile.
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In the workplace, think that adding game elements will bring some excitement to daily life and boost productivity during work. Perhaps you’ve even come across a presentation where some consultants explained how “Millennials love virtual badges and prizes” or pointed to popular apps like Candy Crush as an example of how. the appeal of games with no physical or monetary prizes.
It all seems pretty logical: People generally like games, so if you can turn work into a game, you can increase employee satisfaction. With an element of competition added to anything from completing timesheets to reviewing accounts receivable, productivity soars while employees battle for the virtual badge of “Level Payroll Wizard.” 6″.
Bad games are still bad at work
The critical flaw in this thinking is twofold: The assumption that all games are created equal, and the failure to realize that the appeal of games is that they provide an escape from reality. One of the most successful digital games of all time, Candy Crush, has no basis in reality. Follow Game Design Schoolplayers instead keep coming back for its perfect combination of the ease of learning the game, the difficulty of mastering, and the uncertainty of what a future level has. can hold.
Creating positive uncertainty in tasks like invoicing or completing government records is difficult. These workplace duties are also the antithesis of reality avoidance. While virtual transcripts and badges can generate quick interest in routine tasks, those elements quickly become part of the process. Imagine a blackjack game where the same cards are dealt each time and the chips are all virtual and completely worthless. It might be fun for a few players, but the game gets tiresome quickly.
Are there any game elements that make sense for the job?
Like many items on Gartner’s infamous Hype Cycle chart, gamification has become more of an exaggeration than a benefit, but that doesn’t mean it’s a worthless trend. Perhaps the best part is that valuable elements don’t require expensive technology or complicated consulting commitments.
Start by asking if you have set clear “rules” and “winning conditions” for important processes. It sounds odd, but ask questions like:
- How does someone in this role “win” at their job?
- Are the “rules” of the “game” clear?
- How do we keep “scores” and compare performance with “other players”?
- Is the “prize” worth the effort required?
- How are winners recognized?
You may have done some variation of this, but simplifying these questions by viewing them through the lens of a game can provide clear and prominent means of improvement that you may have been omitted before.
Employees of all demographics will likely appreciate well-defined roles, appropriate rewards and recognition, and known success criteria. That’s far more valuable than a worthless digital badge or automated email.
