Gradually, we have all noticed the growth in popularity of the ‘gamification’ trend, especially with the constant use of smartphones. 2 years ago I was talking about Gamification in Conferinte. However, today we talk about the essence and power of gamification when it is used in any type of event, exemplifying our conclusions through an applied case study.

First of all, let’s clarify what gamification does NOT mean. It is not just a simple download of an application.

Effect of Dopamine

Gamification works on the principle of rewards. Both online and offline games have a series of challenges that must be met – collecting coins, saving a character, solving puzzles or destroying blocks. Success is rewarded with a reward.

Looking at this from a scientific perspective, it is well known that in the human brain, any task done correctly, followed by a good result, determines a chemical result that influences the way we act: the release of dopamine. The gamification process works on the same principle. Challenge after challenge, level after level, reward after reward.

Within the events organized by us, there are various moments when we introduce activations that have the purpose of gamification. What we aim for every time is to implement the 4 superpowers of gamification within #theUNIVERSUMexperience: productivity, trust and cooperation, optimism and the message conveyed.

“We like to play like big people.”

When the goal becomes one in which the participants get to express their own thoughts and solutions vis-à-vis a given situation, the result is different. For example, in the case of Lego Serious Play, participants look for answers to various specific questions. The entire process must be facilitated by trainers specialized in Lego Serious Play.

The participants are divided into teams, and each team receives Lego pieces. As a first step, everyone must build the solution, from lego pieces, at the individual level, later at the group level. The final result is the answer to the question asked at the beginning of the session.

But Lego Serious Play is just an example, in our portfolio of solutions you can find various activities and activations gamification. The main idea behind them is to create a suitable and comfortable environment, where everyone can express themselves freely and without constraints or fear of making mistakes. Thus, they actually have the role of encouraging the participants to add more personal value to the work in the team.

Through the gamification process, you can educate and involve your audience in a unique way, offering a unique experience to the participants. If you are also considering gamification for the next event you are planning, we have (at least) an original idea on how we can customize it 🙂