The psychology of gamification

In our previous post, we mentioned that the Infinity Platform is a tried and tested suite of core services that facilitates gamification and rewards.

Gamification has become a real buzzword over the last few years and that’s because It works because it triggers real, powerful human emotions.

Happiness, Intrigue, Excitement

What is Gamification?

Gamification is the process of introducing game-like elements into business and marketing strategies.

One of the simplest forms of gamification is getting a stamp every time you buy a coffee. Collect ten stamps and you get a free drink. It’s like completing a level and getting a reward.

It’s a very clever use of psychology

Who Uses Gamification?

Nowadays just about everyone. In a recent survey of start-ups, 50% of those polled said they were integrating gaming elements into their strategy this year.

But what makes it so powerful?

1. It gives the user control.

Leading a potential customer towards your desired goal is all part of the user journey.

However, simple psychology tells us people don’t like to be forced or dragged to their destination. They like to be the masters of their destiny. Most people like to feel in control.

So make it seem like they’re in the driving seat. That’s the core of gamification.

It’s like a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ book or picking which level to play in a game.

2. It helps us feel like we know where we are and where we are going

Again, this is simple psychology. We like to know where we’re going. We like to know where we are in the process. Otherwise, users are in the dark growing increasingly wary.

3.?Re-enforcing good behaviour

To use a reductive example, you reward a dog with treats when you’re training it. When it behaves well, the dog gets a treat. It keeps doing the good behaviour because it gets rewarded.

The same thing happens with gamification. When you complete a level, you get a reward – a discount or something free for example. So you do it again, and again. It reinforces a habit or behaviour.

4. A sense of achievement

Achievement is one of the most powerful psychological driving factors of human behaviour. Everything we do, we do to achieve something.

If someone’s on your website or using your app, they’re trying to achieve something. Learning code, managing money, or getting fit, for example.

If you can make your user feel like they’ve achieved something, they’re going to come back. Something as simple as saying ‘good job!’ when a user completes a task helps create a milestone and create the sense of completing a level.

5. Humans love to explore and escape

The whole reason we love video games is for their escapism. Getting lost in roleplaying worlds and exploring an altered state is why games like Final Fantasy and World of Warcraft are so popular.

When you give your users the freedom to explore, it creates intrigue and excitement. Two very powerful emotions. And a positive user experience.

6. We LOVE rewards

This one almost doesn’t need explaining.

Everyone loves rewards. We’ve already talked about creating a sense of achievement. But, why not go one step forward and offer a real, tangible reward for your customer?

7.?Dopamine and addiction

Gamification triggers a dopamine rush.

It’s that simple. Gaining a reward, getting feedback, or achieving something all gives you a little rush.

That’s dopamine in your brain. It’s your mind telling you to do it again because it feels good! And that’s when addiction kicks in.

There’s a reason we get addicted to gaming. And there’s a reason why websites and apps that harness gamification retain their users. You keep coming back for that dopamine hit.

Gamification isn’t just a buzzword or a gimmick. Done correctly, it triggers real, powerful human emotions.

It generates positive user experiences and increases engagement and loyalty.

About ViaMedia (Pty) Ltd

We are a forward-thinking, progressive technology company with over 20 years of experience in mobile and digital monetisation in the B2C and B2B sectors. ViaMedia has successfully developed and deployed mobile-grade carrier platforms and digital technologies & services into multiple network operators & retail segments in South Africa and Africa.

We have designed our smart sales platforms to drive incremental revenue on core product offerings to maintain customer retention. Our Platform uses gamification & rewards to increase customer loyalty and engagement.

We aim to expand our robust and proven technical stack into various market segments and international territories. Our products and platforms are market-ready, which means they can work for you within the shortest time frame.

Visit: https://viamedia.co.za