Gamification doesn’t mean a game in the traditional sense of the word. It means applying game design principles in non-game contexts to engage users to solve problems, share accomplishments, and learn something new. Information technology research firm, Gartner, predicts that by next year more than 50% of all organizations will apply gamification to manage innovation. Gamification takes challenges, problems, and issues to engage users to solve the challenge, then gives feedback to drive performance. Let’s look at the reasons why gamification is good for your business.
Knowledge
Employees hold the company brain trust. Training employees is necessary for the growth of the business. Whether it is learning a new process or technique or reviewing a protocol to decrease adverse events, knowledge is the root. Interactive training such as a mobile app, can increase user engagement and long-term recollection and retention rates for information. This holds true for customers as well as employees. Gamification tools can be used to educate customers on a new product or service; train on how to set up and safely use a product; or to gather customer feedback on current and future products.
Learning & Development
Innovative thinking can lead to new products, new ways of solving problems, and better ways of performing tasks. An interactive element that allows users to experiment and learn from mistakes and exploration will affect users’ future decisions and actions. Practical experience is gained from the exploration and applied to new tasks. Learning and development continually take place for the user as he/she gains points, achieves new levels, or wins against other users. Employees can learn new processes and techniques; improve operations; increase safety awareness; strengthen soft skills like communication and critical thinking; and more.
Flexibility
Scheduling employees for training can be disruptive to business and to the employees. A mobile app or web-based eLearning can be used at the employee’s and employer’s convenience without regard to time, location, or device. Employees, even satellite employees, can access training whenever it’s convenient. Business doesn’t have to be interrupted for training.
Motivation
Engaging experiences motivate users to stay involved longer with an interaction. So does competition. Both are hallmarks of game mechanics. When work is fun, employees work longer and harder. When businesses offer satisfying customer engagement activities, your business is rewarded with loyalty. Having measurable goals allows users to compete and allows businesses to track results. Achieving outcomes like increasing productivity, customer satisfaction, repeat business, customer referrals, and driving use of a product correctly and safely are just a few meaningful outcomes for organizations utilizing gamification.
CSE Software Inc. can apply game design principles to web, mobile, simulation, or eLearning development to give your organization the competitive edge. Whether you need training for employees or you want to develop a loyalty program for customers, CSE Software can design, develop and deploy the right gamification technology to fit your budget. Contact Stacey Burris at 1.309.670.7595 and get started today.
