Introduction
Gamification has long been heralded as a solution to user engagement, and that includes learner engagement. But it has been a bumpy road, with little conclusive evidence provided by research, and little research being done.
One of the biggest problems is that gamification tends to focus on reward structures, and while these are important, rewards on their own do little to engage deeper learning. The strongest science calls for a rich narrative to stimulate an emotional response.
Challenge
The main challenge was increasing user engagement and learning retention. Traditional gamification techniques, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, have limited success in fostering deep learning. The goal was to design a solution that lets curriculum designers create rich, immersive game worlds, couple content with interesting reward systems, and give learners a more memorable experience, leading to better knowledge retention.
Solution
The system evolved into a three-pillar approach: curriculum design, a game economy, and a thematic narrative. It was also built as a completely selve-serve solution, giving admins and instructional designers full control over the content and theme. Through the dashboard they could create and modify all imagery, instructional content and assessments, and game economy and reward systems on their own. They also had access to tools to ensure that the game economy was rational, i.e. that all quests could be completed with the reward systems that had been put in place.
Curriculum – Content and Assessments
The curriculum pillar featured interactive content, including images, video, and HTML, followed by assessments like multiple-choice quizzes and mini-games (e.g., drag-and-drop, hotspot identification). One of the platform’s biggest strengths lies in its ability to create simulations with case-based learning. Learners can play through cases, which could include branching scenarios, and the option to exchange game resources earned throughout learning for more information to inform their decisions.. This system fostered strategic thinking as learners balanced between spending resources for immediate assistance or saving them for future advantages.
Learning content could also be sprinkled throughout the learning experience, not always just the typical learning content followed by a quiz. For example, instructors could build a skill tree that reflects real-world scenarios, allowing learners to learn about different areas of specialization and make trade-off decisions, further enhancing engagement.
Game Economy & Mechanics
Through a self-serve dashboard, users could design their own game economy and reward systems. Learners could earn resources via training and quests and use them to buy upgrades, complete objectives, or acquire new information. This dynamic system, which allowed learners to invest resources strategically, enhanced both motivation and retention.
Some examples of the types of game resources that could be configured and incorporated into a serious game world include:
- Currencies – typically used for earning and exchange
- Badges – to help show learners what to strive for
- Avatars – different characters could have their own special abilities
- Raw materials – lumber, ore
- Experience, Levels – to track progression
- Skill points, Skills – for the skill tree mentioned above
- Factories – can be purchased and configured to earn game resources on each training completion
- Powerups – can increase earnings and reduce costs
These resources can come into play in many different ways throughout the learners experience, being earned and spent, unlocking content or hints, and being used as requirements or rewards for quests.
Quests
Quests deserve their own section, as these were central to the user experience. Quests could be configured to provide a narrative-focused tutorial throughout all the learning content. Quest chains could be set up so learners would unlock follow-up quests on completion of a quest. Quests could also be unlocked by completing some training or reaching a certain level.
Theme and Narrative – Story and Imagery
Themes and narratives tied the learning content together, immersing learners in a customized experience. Whether it was a Roman or space-themed world, stories reinforced learning objectives while quests and skill trees were aligned with the theme. Imagery, interface customization, and story slides created a visually cohesive and engaging environment that made learning feel more like an adventure.
Outcome
Learning designers gained the ability to create immersive educational experiences with custom themes, narratives, and game economies. The entire game world could be set up to simulate the environment the learner was preparing for, but in a fantastical, engaging way that keeps players hooked.
Learners engage with content more deeply as they follow the story and need to make strategic decisions that impact their experience throughout the game. Quests and story slides work their magic to immerse the learner in an exciting world, resulting in better learning outcomes.
Looking to Build or Add Gamification to a Solution?
Are you looking to build an app, or upgrade an app with some serious gamification? Contact us today to learn how we help you level up your game and drive deeper engagement with your users. Let’s start a conversation about how we can support your business goals!