Gamification strategies should be more inclusive
The use of game elements in non-game contexts is known as gamification. Adaptive gamification exists to answer the need to customize engagement strategies. Still, the lack of a standardized process for adaptation “hinders replicability, comparability, and complicates making adaptation dynamic,” notes the research team of a new study on gamification strategies, including Lennart E. Nacke, Professor, University of Waterloo Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business.
It is essential to implement diverse gamification research to allow for more inclusive game experiences. The research team notes that “treating users as a homogeneous unit is an unsuccessful strategy” and explores new ways to adapt gamification strategies to specific, individual users.
The research team found that “adaptive gamification is becoming a notably superior approach to one-fits-all design strategies because of their many disadvantages.” Using this framework can help cultivate replicability and comparability in adaptive gamification strategies.
Instead of a rigid, universal approach, the team suggests a design framework where designers can adapt their systems. This structure, known as “PEAS,” considers the player, environment, agents, and system elements. This framework combines player and personality approaches to produce a single adaptation strategy, creating many advantages.
"Treating users as a homogeneous unit is an unsuccessful strategy."
Image source: Themes, N. (2017). Retrieved April 14, 2022, from unsplash.com.