Gamification is becoming increasingly common. From navigation apps like Waze to planning tools and learning platforms, it's often the secret ingredient to a successful application. But how exactly does it work, and what can gamification do for your company?
We all love being rewarded. A pat on the back from the boss, a delicious meal after a long day at work, or a quick trip to the shops just because you deserve it! Gamification taps into that feeling perfectly. Simply put, it's about using elements like rewards, challenges, and goals in a playful way, but in situations that have nothing to do with games. Its success lies in the way gamification stimulates our brains and motivates us.
“Gamification is about motivating people by engaging them in a fun way.” —Yu-kai Chou
A short psychology lesson
To better understand this, let's take a quick dive into psychology. When we receive a reward, such as a badge or points, it activates our reward system. Then dopamine Free, the "feel good" neurotransmitter that gives us a sense of satisfaction and pleasure. And if something feels good, we're happy to do it again, right? That's precisely why we keep coming back to apps that reward us, even for small achievements. Think of the feeling of a social media post getting loads of likes. Even if that feeling only lasts for a moment, it feels good, and we want to experience it more often.
Gamification also stimulates our prefrontal cortex, the brain area involved in planning. When we're working on our New Year's resolutions for the coming year and how we want to achieve them, our prefrontal cortex is hard at work. Many apps allow you to set goals or take on challenges. And if you achieve such a goal, the sense of reward is even stronger! It's this combination that forms the "golden combination" that makes gamification so powerful.
“Give people something to work towards and they will be happy to come back.” — Gabe Zichermann
Some examples of gamification
When we think of language apps, we almost automatically think of DuolingoA super accessible and fun way to learn a new language, infused with gameplay elements. Correct answers earn you points, incorrect ones lose you lives, and a series of correct answers earns you badges. Before you know it, you'll be learning a new language without it even feeling like studying.
Another common example is the various health apps where you earn badges based on the number of steps you take. You often also receive kudos or pats on the back from friends who follow you in the same app. Suddenly, that half-hour walk a day becomes a lot more enjoyable!
Gamification can even work surprisingly well in unexpected areas. How about a financial app that awards you badges for reaching savings goals? Maybe that trip you've been saving for years suddenly feels within reach when the reward system in your brain gets that extra boost. Because, let's face it, isn't achieving a long-term goal much more fun if we also get the occasional reward along the way?
What can gamification do for my business?
Gamification can help your company not only increase engagement but also achieve tangible results. A well-designed gamification strategy can contribute to greater customer loyalty, higher productivity, and even increased sales. This means gamification is not only enjoyable for the user but can also deliver a significant return on investment (ROI).
Gamification at Canyon Clan
At Canyon Clan, we're big fans of gamification—as long as it's used responsibly. It's a powerful way to create engagement and ensure users enjoy using your platform. We help companies leverage these psychological principles and create valuable, ethical user experiences. Not addictive games, but tools that truly make an impact and offer a positive experience.
Gamification makes every experience more playful and valuable—when applied with the right intentions. At Canyon Clan, we help you make a lasting positive impact with gamification.
Curious about the possibilities?
Want to know how gamification can help your business grow? Feel free to send us a DM or an email at hello@canyonclan.comWe'd love to talk with you to see how we can leverage the power of gamification to create a valuable user experience for your company!