How can gamification foster innovation in project management?

Gamification refers to the transfer of game elements to non-game contexts, such as products and services. The aim is to increase motivation and interaction. Gamification triggers the same emotions that make games so compelling — the rush of winning, the urge to keep playing, and the feeling of relaxation or excitement. A great example of gamification is health insurance apps where you can earn points for exercising. It is fascinating how gamification can influence our behaviour. Some people say that the whole world will eventually be gamified. (Especially in terms of the metaverse) So is it possible to separate Web 3.0 and gamification?

Gamification is not only a powerful tool to promote engagement but also a great way to avoid bureaucracy and innovate. One example: I was once faced with the challenge of keeping a busy cross-functional group engaged with some work that was not included in their job descriptions. Then, we came up with the idea of giving them badges, such as "decarbonization champion", and negotiating with their leaders to allow them to work for a specific project, so they could keep that badge. It gave them a sense of identity, ownership and extra motivation, along with the opportunity to develop and showcase a different set of skills without overwhelming them with a huge workload.

Competitive people benefit the most from gamification. Trying to win the game is their natural state. Cooperative people can still benefit, but they need to know more about the joint benefits the game will provide.

Gamification, as described, extends beyond just making work enjoyable; it's a strategic approach incorporating gaming principles into non-game contexts, like project management. This method is significant because it taps into fundamental human behaviors and motivations. By setting clear goals and providing instant feedback through rewards and challenges, gamification boosts engagement and motivation among team members, clients, and users. It's not just about fun, but about creating a productive environment where people feel more connected to their tasks and to each other.

-Define incentives for the users (most of them just want credit and recognition) -Stick to a fair ruleset that provides those incentives -In your validation exercises define level of fun per touchpoint in critical phases of the project

We are designing a tool for the Oil and Gas industry that includes gamification features, some of them are: -When you collaborate with other stakeholders you receive a badge -When you reduce CO2 emissions in your processes you grow your virtual forest -The last one would be an asset simulator that shows what happens when you buy cheap components, it has funny animations to illustrate the decisions

There are a few 'must-dos' to ensure success when fostering gamification in project management. First, clearly define the objectives. What behaviour do you want to encourage? This could be the timely completion of tasks, innovative problem-solving, or effective collaboration. Then, choose game mechanics that align with these goals. For example, use points for task completion or badges for innovative solutions. It's crucial to keep the game elements relevant and engaging. Ensure that the rewards and recognition are meaningful to your team. The ultimate goal should be to enhance team dynamics and innovation, not to overshadow the actual work at hand.