Inside our game design

gamification in learning 

The possibilities of using gamification in elearning are endless as games seamlessly fit into the structure of digital learning and can be used in numerous ways to help breakdown a number of different topics. From learner feedback and industry evidence, we know that games are great for engagement. However, it’s not just as simple as adding any game into the learning, there has to be a combination of game mechanics put in place which help makes the learning experience enjoyable, challenging and memorable.

In true Fenturi fashion, a lot of thought goes into what we create, when we are developing gamification for elearning we make sure that it plays to people’s natural passion for achievement, rewards, competition and collaboration as this is the recipe for successful gamification.

It’s in our nature to enjoy playing games. That’s why we focus on creating impactful, social, enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences. When the brief fits and the option is best for both the client and the end-users we jump at the opportunity to use a digital learning gamification solution.

In this article, we are letting you into the mind of Fenturi and focusing on the world within game design. You’ll learn how we manage to get the most out of the games from an educational perspective and how we embedded them perfectly our bespoke elearning solutions.

achievement and considerations

For it to be successful we first think about what it is we want the game to achieve. From there we choose the correct game concept to best reach that goal. Considering the end-user, as different games types and mechanics appeal to different people. This can depend on their cultural background, interest and motivations. It’s important for us to not implement any learning tools that don’t need to be there. So at this point we asses the best route forward.

challenge

One of the most important steps in the build process is to make the game challenging. It’s finding the balance between making the gameplay a challenge but not making it too hard to complete.

The games need to be challenging otherwise they won’t capture the learner’s attention. Games work best when they are inviting people to test their skills, this creates a much richer and enjoyable experience. Together this will ultimately create a more memorable learning experience, increasing the chance for the user to remember the learning objectives and achieving our goal of creating elearning that really works.

reward

Some would say it can’t be a game if it doesn’t have a reward, however, we tend to disagree sometimes just the challenge or the immersive gameplay itself can be reward enough. Certainly in some circumstances offering an additional incentive can help to entice the learner, we’ve also found that can praise work very well.

It’s important to keep in mind that the reward must be appropriate to the game, for example, offering an immediate reward will encourage repeat plays if this is what is wanted from the game. We don’t just put in a ‘sliding puzzle’ game in for no reason, we want the participant to engage with the picture and it stick in their memory.

With digital learning, everything needs to have a reason without this thought process embedded within it you will be left with elearning solutions that are not engaging and lack the necessary learning objectives. 

competition

To no surprise, another technique that works well is to encourage competition. Again, it’s our nature to be competitive. Within elearning, we sometimes display the results of the course on a leader board to create an environment where people can compete. This competition will make the game more of a challenge and can encourage users to come back, try again and continue to learn.

game on!

When we implement gamification we make sure that each of these points is covered by using this tried, tested and scientifically backed steps. We then are in the position to help the client reach their desired results whilst making sure the end-user has had an enjoyable and memorable experience.

We are creative in our thinking and always honest in our recommendations. To speak to us directly about how gamfication can help your your translation and localisation needs, you can call on 0117 440 1000, email at hello@fenturi.com or fill in the contact form below.