Gamification in tech

What’s the one thing you learn before knowing how to speak? You learn to play. Whether you consider yourself a gamer or not, chances are you’ve experienced the joy of gaming at some point in your life. Gaming isn’t just for gamers?—?it’s a universal experience. We all engage with games, whether out of love, boredom, or a desire to connect with others.

The Rise of Gamification

The gaming industry is worth over $200 billion?—?a staggering 13-figure market. With such a massive impact, it’s no wonder that gaming elements are now being integrated into a wide range of products. In today’s digital landscape, companies face the challenge of keeping users engaged. Some product managers go for small, attention-grabbing features, while others embrace a bolder approach by introducing games directly into their products. But the question remains: how can you effectively gamify a product?

Gamification involves incorporating gaming elements into non-gaming environments or products. Below are some examples of smart gamified products and platforms.

Gamification Examples

Who would have thought that Netflix , a platform known for streaming movies and shows, would be a gaming platform? Netflix has begun introducing games to enhance user engagement. Now, not only can you watch your favorite shows, but you can also play games based on them.

Instagram has also embraced gamification in a subtle way. For example, in Instagram Direct messages, if you send an emoji like “??” and double-tap it, you’ll trigger a quick, interactive game. It’s a fun, unexpected feature that keeps users entertained.

Even the employment-focused platform, LinkedIn , gamified the platform. Why? the simple answer, to increase user engagement. Linkedin simply want’s you to play with your connections, spark conversations, and break the ice. The more you engage, the more time you spend on their platform?—?making LinkedIn the ultimate winner

How can Whatsapp gamify their platform??

Comeon WhatsApp , you are late already. imessage have already gamified their messaging experience and introduced very engaging games. I remember during COVID, I used to spend more time on imessage playing pool over the pool app itself. competing with friends is what users normally look for, at the end of the day, they want to have some fun and kill time.

Have you ever wondered why we still send a “black snap” just to maintain a streak on Snap Inc. ? WhatsApp could introduce similar engaging features or even create a leaderboard for the most active chats. Just make sure they keep it all private?—?wouldn’t want girlfriends finding out about chat habits, LOL

Engaging Users Through?Play

Trading apps have cleverly capitalized on gamification to attract and retain users. One of the trending apps in the Egyptian market, Thndr, took this approach. The challenge: new users are often hesitant to trade with real money due to a lack of experience. The solution? Gamify the process.

When users first sign up for Thndr, they’re given “fake” money to trade with, simulating the real stock exchange market. Imagine winning a fake $100 on your first day?—?suddenly, the idea of investing real money doesn’t seem so intimidating. As users become more comfortable trading with fake money, they gradually start investing real money, easing into the world of trading with confidence.

The idea of winning is what motivates users to “play” or trade. Once you’re comfortable trading with fake money, you gradually start putting in some real money

Take, for example, a close friend of mine. He was never particularly interested in watching English Premier League games. However, he noticed our group’s excitement around the Fantasy Premier League game, where you earn points based on real-world player performances. Intrigued by the idea of earning points, he joined the game. Two years later, he’s gone from someone who rarely watched football to someone who spends entire Saturdays glued to the TV, watching every match. That’s the power of the game!

Perks of gamification to kill?boredom

Motivating employees to complete training programs is a major challenge for human resources, who often have specific KPIs to meet. To address this, companies have begun investing in gamifying their training content. This approach not only makes the learning process more engaging but also provides quicker feedback and better assesses employees’ understanding of the material.

Making Tech and Products More?Engaging

Gamification in technology and products has proven to be a powerful tool for enhancing user engagement, motivation, and satisfaction. By integrating game-like elements into non-gaming contexts, businesses can transform routine tasks and interactions into more dynamic and enjoyable experiences. This approach not only drives user participation but also promote deeper connections with the product or service. As technology continues to evolve, the strategic use of gamification will likely play an increasingly central role in differentiating products and optimizing user experiences, making it an essential consideration for forward-thinking companies.

Finally, which product would you like to see gamified?

Medium Link: https://medium.com/@baher96/gamification-in-tech-cbc29877d7d0