Exploring Gamification in Products

Gamification involves incorporating game-like elements into non-game contexts, such as products or services, to motivate and engage users. This article briefly discusses this concept and how it's used today.

One day, after I finished reading a chapter from Atomic Habits I received a Stenographer badge to place 40 bookmarks. I had a little yay moment and I set myself up to earn a 7-day streak badge as my next goal.

This incentive is a game element that many products have adopted in recent years, and many still can, to go from a good product to a habit-forming product. The idea comes from the consumer behavior concept of motivating consumers. Come to think of it, you are more likely to play a game for a long period if you win easily at the beginning and then the levels start getting optimally tough. The optimal level of difficulty means the level is not unachievable, but takes some effort to get there.

There are different game strategies like rewards and badges that are used in different industries. Almost all credit card companies as you know today have adopted points and rewards systems. Badges as of today are used mostly for learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning. Another well-known game strategy used is levels in frequent flier programs or loyalty programs created by Airlines. Companies and product teams can adopt different gamification strategies to increase user adoption and retention.