I caught up with Karl Kapp last year at DevLearn in Las Vegas. The respected author, professor, and gamification expertcovers a variety of topics in this video interview, sharing some of the latesttrends and research in the field, discussing why learning executives shouldinvest in gamification, and providing suggestions on how CLOs can best presentgamification to the C-suite. Here are some highlights of the conversation.
1. What are some of the latest trends in gamification?
The diversification of different methodologies fordelivering gamified solutions—some vendors are doing it with game-basedlearning, some are doing it with spaced repetition, and some are doing it withcompetition, badges, and micro-credentialing. Each has a different way ofadding value to the organization.
2. Why should a CLO invest in gamification?
It is a really effective tool for shaping behavior. That’swhy gamification should be on the radar of almost every CLO.
3. How can a CLO sell gamification to upper-level management?
One of the big myths about gamification is that it’s aboutplaying games, but it’s really about using elements from games to engagelearners. One of the best ways to sell gamification is to talk about the highlevel of engagement that gamification causes. The second is to point to themany successful case studies. And finally, look at the dramatic results interms of safety, employee retention, and reaching customers.
4. What are some of the common pitfalls when adding gamification?
Not implementing it correctly. Too often, people thinkgamification is just about points, badges, and leaderboards, but those externalmotivations wear off after a while. We need to combine the idea of extrinsicand intrinsic motivation with the concept of engagement.
5. Is there any research behind gamification?
Gamification is relatively new, so there is not a ton ofresearch. But research indicates that gamification has long-term impact. We’reseeing that up to three years later, people are still involved with a gamifiedplatform and still check their scores.
6. How would you respond to the question “Isn’t gamification just abouthaving fun?”
I think the term “gamification” causes thatmisunderstanding. Gamification is not about fun. As I always say: If we wantpeople to have fun, let’s give them the day off. But if we really want peopleto be engaged, let’s use the elements that we know engage people who playgames, and incorporate them into our learning design and into the methodologieswe use to deliver instruction.
