18 Common Terms of Gamification
The world of games is no longer just for leisure. The concept of gamification is taking hold, incorporating game-like elements into non-game contexts to boost engagement, motivation, and learning. This article explores the benefits of gamification and the key terms you’ll encounter in your gamification journey.
What is Gamification and Its Benefits?
Gamification applies the principles of game design – like points, badges, and leaderboards – to activities that are traditionally non-game related. It’s about making something more fun, engaging, and rewarding.
Here are some key benefits of gamification:
Increased Motivation
Gamification taps into our natural desire for achievement and progress, making us more likely to stick with a task.
Enhanced Learning
Gamified experiences can make learning more interactive and memorable.
Improved Engagement
Gamification can transform mundane activities into something more enjoyable, leading to higher participation.
Positive Reinforcement
Points, badges, and rewards provide positive reinforcement, encouraging desired behaviors.
18 Common Terms of Gamification:
Now, let’s familiarize ourselves with the vocabulary or common terms of gamification:
Gamification
As mentioned before, at its core, gamification refers to the process of integrating game mechanics and design techniques into non-game activities to enhance engagement, motivation, and participation.
On the other hand, gamified assessments aim to tackle these issues by providing an enjoyable experience. By incorporating elements of gameplay, these assessments can reduce the pressure and allow candidates to perform to the best of their abilities in a more relaxed environment.
Game-based Assessment
Game-based assessment, this term refers to assessments or evaluations designed in the format of a game, where participants engage in interactive activities to demonstrate their knowledge or skills.
Gamified assessments, however, present different game scenarios and difficulty levels, effectively reducing the “training effect” caused by familiarity. This ensures that the assessment remains challenging and continues to accurately measure a candidate’s abilities.
Test-based Game
Unlike traditional tests, test-based games present assessment questions or challenges in a game-like format, often incorporating elements such as scoring, levels, and rewards.
In contrast, gamified assessments present a simulation-based assessment that requires immediate action. This prevents participants from cheating and ensures a fair and accurate evaluation of their skills and abilities.
Game-based Learning
Also known as educational gamification, this approach involves using games to facilitate learning and skill development, making the educational process more engaging and interactive.
Gamified assessments address this issue by using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements to suit different learning styles and preferences. This results in a more accessible and inclusive assessment, providing a fair opportunity for all candidates.
Cognitive Assessment Test
These assessments evaluate cognitive abilities such as memory, problem-solving, and attention span, often using game-like tasks to measure these skills in a dynamic and engaging manner.
In contrast, gamified assessments provide immediate feedback and results, as the games have pre-programmed scenarios and scoring algorithms. This results in faster and more efficient screening and selection, saving both time and resources.
Immersive Learning
Immersive learning involves creating deeply engaging learning experiences that simulate real-world environments, often utilizing technologies like virtual reality (VR) to enhance immersion and interactivity.
In contrast, gamified assessments provide immediate feedback and results, as the games have pre-programmed scenarios and scoring algorithms. This results in faster and more efficient screening and selection, saving both time and resources.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual Reality (VR) technology creates simulated environments that users can interact with using specialized equipment, providing an immersive and realistic experience.
In contrast, gamified assessments provide immediate feedback and results, as the games have pre-programmed scenarios and scoring algorithms. This results in faster and more efficient screening and selection, saving both time and resources.
Virtual Experience
Similar to VR, virtual experiences involve simulated environments or scenarios designed to engage users and evoke specific emotions or reactions.
In contrast, gamified assessments provide immediate feedback and results, as the games have pre-programmed scenarios and scoring algorithms. This results in faster and more efficient screening and selection, saving both time and resources.
Points
Points are a common form of reward or currency in gamification, earned by completing tasks, achieving goals, or exhibiting desired behaviors.
In contrast, gamified assessments provide immediate feedback and results, as the games have pre-programmed scenarios and scoring algorithms. This results in faster and more efficient screening and selection, saving both time and resources.
Badges
Badges serve as visual representations of achievements or milestones reached within a gamified system, providing recognition and motivation for users.
Levels
Progression through levels signifies advancement or mastery within a gamified environment, with each level typically requiring increased skill or effort to attain.
Challenges
Challenges are tasks or obstacles presented to users within a gamified system, often designed to test skills, foster competition, or encourage problem-solving.
Onboarding
In the context of gamification, onboarding refers to the process of introducing users to a new system or environment in a way that is engaging, informative, and user-friendly.
Skill Trees
Skill trees represent a visual representation of a user’s progression and development within a gamified system, often depicting different paths or branches corresponding to various skills or abilities.
Rewards
Rewards serve as incentives or motivators within gamified systems, encouraging desired behaviors or actions through tangible or intangible benefits.
Emulation
Emulation involves modeling behaviors or actions after successful examples or role models within a gamified environment, promoting learning and skill acquisition through observation and imitation.
Turn-key
Turn-key solutions in gamification refer to ready-made or pre-packaged systems or platforms that can be easily implemented and customized to suit specific needs or objectives.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Unlike VR, which creates entirely virtual environments, augmented reality overlays digital elements onto the real world, blending virtual and physical experiences seamlessly.
Understanding these terms will equip you to navigate the world of gamification and use its power to make any experience more engaging and rewarding. By familiarizing yourself with these common terms of gamification, you can gain a deeper understanding of gamification and its diverse applications across various domains, from education and training to marketing. These terms provide valuable insights into the mechanics and principles underlying effective gamification practices, whether you’re designing a gamified learning platform or implementing gamification strategies in your business.
If you are interested in learning more about gamification and how it can benefit you or your organization
Check out our gamification services page and contact us today. We are ready to help you create a gamification experience that aligns with your needs and preferences.
Article Authors
Junialdi Dwijaputra
Dias Setyanto
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