Simply put -- gamification involves applying game design thinking to non-game applications to make them more fun and engaging.

Gamification encourages people to perform certain actions that they ordinarily consider boring. Tied to compelling content and within a relevant digital channel, gamified websites, applications or processes can increase user engagement, ROI, data quality, timeliness or even learning.

Some common techniques applied to gamification projects include:

• achievements / badges
• levels
• leader boards
• progress bars
• activity feeds
• avatars
• real-time feedback
• virtual currency
• gifting
• challenges and quests
• trophy case
• embedding small mini games within other activities                               [Image courtesy of http://www.thepixelreport.org]

To learn more about gamification and to determine if this type of strategy is good for your business, read or download the following resources:

Demystifying Enterprise Gamification for Business by Ray Wang of Constellation
http://www.constellationrg.com/research/2011/12/demystifying-enterprise-gamification-business

Is Gamification Right for Your Business? 7 Things to Consider by Erica Swallow of Mashable
http://mashable.com/2011/12/24/gamification-for-business/

The CEO Guide to Business Gamification from Business Week Special Reports Gallery
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/special_reports/20110404ceo_guide_gamification.htm

Gaming Business Review
http://www.gamingbusinessreview.com/

Gamification
http://www.gamification.org/

Gamification 101
www.bunchball.com/gamification/gamification101.pdf

Gamification applications and providers:
http://www.badgeville.com/
http://www.gigya.com/
http://www.bunchball.com/

Best,

Denice MacDonald