10 things I learned from Pokemon GO that apply to online learning design

I spent my evening walking around my neighborhood. I strolled down streets I had never considered going down, parks I never spent more than 2 minutes in, I began learning about art around me, and I was greeted by strangers in my neighborhood (something that doesn't happen so often in Seattle.)

Pokemon GO opened me up to to a whole new world in one evening. Pokémon GO is an augmented-reality game developed by Niantic for iOS and Android devices. The game was released in July 2016. Niantic is also the developer of another augmented-reality game called Ingress.

Whenever I try a new technology I like to ponder what it could do for the world of learning. Here are my thoughts on the Pokemon GO app and how it relates to designing online learning experiences.

1. Less is more on the approach to directions

The app is super intuitive to use and the designers make a great use of the whole experience (even waiting.) The loading screens warn you to look out around your environment (since you could possibly be walking near or through traffic to get to a location or catch a Pokemon.) The only option on the main screen is to tap to get the professor to talk more. I love the simplicity of it and you don't need to overly explain how to use the app. You just use it.

2. Safety first

It's clear in the app that safety is a concern, as it should also be in mobile learning. I think it's a good idea they pointed this out, especially in filler spaces like loading screens.

3. Personalization

I think personalization really comes into play when you have a technology where more than one person can play. You are able to choose your username, character look (although very limited), and eventually you can choose a team and gym.

4. Be prepared for the worst and hope people come back for more

When the game released in the US a lot of the servers went down. I don't know if they were planning for the game to be so popular. The server crashed a few times on me but it did not dissuade me from trying to get back on. I know if this were a learning app it would be a different case.

5. Know your audience or know that you want them to adapt

You are able to collect Pokeballs and Eggs from PokeStops. The eggs you collect can require you to walk different distances to hatch them. I noticed the distance was in kms (which I am not used to.) It's not a huge deal (and most of the world uses the metric system) but it does help to know your audience and their preference.

6. Data helps you plan but it is also creepy

There is a ton of data that you will view in Pokemon GO. You are able to view everything you have collected at PokeStops to which Pokemon you caught via your Journal. I think it helps to define goal setting. The creepy part is that it records exactly what time you collected each item or Pokemon.

7. Terminology and acronyms can and should integrate flawlessly

In your collected Pokemon list you can sort your Pokemon by specific filters. One of the items on a Pokemon is it's CP or Combat Power. I like how they defined it on the filter but didn't feel the need to call it out everywhere.

8. Augmented Reality is cool in the right situations

On the app there are two settings for collecting Pokemon. You can use the Augmented Reality (AR) setting or you can use the default environment setting to catch Pokemon. The AR setting works really great out and about but is sort of lame when you find a Pokemon chilling on top of the counter top in your home.

9. Collecting and being social are motivators

I feel more motivated to play knowing that there are more Pokemon to collect (and they even tell you which ones are around!) The fact that it is also social is a key factor for me. I have not really experienced the social factor yet but I'm excited to get started and connect with people who also enjoy the app. I did have someone running by me at the park congratulate me on capturing a Clefairy.

10. Being rewarded for doing something while also learning is pretty spiffy

One of my favorite features of the app is that I get to know and explore my neighborhood in a different way. Many of the PokeStops are at local establishments and have some facts about them listed. It was really cool to see art that I have never noticed and even new restaurants that I may try out! I don't think I would have gone to them without the incentive of getting some Pokeballs or eggs though. The rewards pushed me to do something I would not normally do.

What I am looking forward to next with Pokemon GO? At level 5 you can join a team and a gym. You and/or your team can go to the gym and battle against other players and teams.

Will I keep playing? I don't know. I will probably play quite a bit but I feel like this is something more casual to do like Swarm/Four Square with checking in. It's a cool way to discover places in my neighborhood that I have never seen before and it's really cool to experience a new type of game and app. 

- Mel