Playful Design & Gamification

Playful design and gamification are methods which use elements from video games (such as levels, achievements, or avatars) to make real-world applications more appealing. They are used in business, education, and even in physiological training and rehabilitation. While playful design primarily emulates the “look and feel”, gamification also applies some of the game mechanics. In the seminar, we will look at best practices in both areas. We will examine the models on which the current solutions are based. Psychological and cognitive aspects (e.g., motivation, task load) will also be discussed. In the second half of the seminar, we will create our own (visual) prototype of a gamified application in groups of 2-4 persons.

Learning goals include the following:

• Definitions, history, and fields of application of playful design and gamification
• Models for players and development (e.g., Bartle, OctalysisFramework, BrainHex)
• Ethical / moral implications
• Creating a visual prototype in a group setting

Exam-type will be a seminar paper.