Interestingly, we also removed some outdated gamification systems at my current job. As you pointed out, they weren’t adding value to the user and only complicated certain flows and the overall app architecture.
One app that really takes gamification to the next level is WeWard with the card collection system. It’s classic gamification 101 (collect cards in exchange for points), but it’s surprisingly effective at keeping you engaged. And it motivates you to walk and make some money on top of it :D
On the B2B side (where is not easy to bring some gamification systems), HubSpot's 'Make My Persona' tool is an interesting example. It’s like creating an avatar in a game but with a clear purpose, turning the boring task of building a persona into something even interesting!
A key factor in the success of any award system or gamification strategy is its seamless integration into daily routines, making it feel natural and unobtrusive. Take Duolingo, for example: streaks aren't just rewards—they're a clever way to encourage consistent learning. Similarly, features like profile completion on LinkedIn are designed for meaningful connections, such as reconnecting with alumni or co-workers, while feeling like a simple, logical step in the user journey.
Dear Angèle, thank you for highlighting how these mechanisms function in various contexts and for different companies. I really enjoyed "Hooked" by Nir Eyal, but I feel you presented it in a way that describes it even more accurately than Eyal's four-stage model.
These activities build on our understanding of how the brain's reward system functions, and we tend to form attachments to things or activities in which we have invested time, words, or photos. That's worth reflecting on.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I’m glad you enjoyed the way I presented the ideas from Hooked—Nir Eyal’s work has been such a valuable resource for understanding user engagement.
You’re absolutely right about the role of the brain’s reward system and how our investments, whether in time, words, or photos, deepen our attachments. It’s fascinating (and humbling) to see how these mechanisms shape our habits and connections. Reflecting on these patterns can help us not only design better experiences but also make more mindful choices in our own lives.
What is interesting about these examples is that the customer's digital "reward" comes at virtually zero cost to the company. Handing out unlimited digital badges or streaks is a neat reward distribution model and there's no money changing hands either.
Loyalty/reward programmes need to not only be effective in impacting consumer behaviour, but also consider whether they are profitable as a whole once you start factoring in the operational running cost of the programme.
This was a great post Angele. I enjoyed reading it!
I completely agree, and that’s the beauty of games—everything, including their currencies and rewards, exists within a specific space and time. This creates a self-contained ecosystem where value feels tangible, even if it comes at minimal cost to the company. Thanks so much for your kind words—I’m glad you enjoyed the post! 😊
Thank you! 😊 Influence is such a game-changer—every chapter feels like unlocking a new way of understanding how we’re wired. 🤯 Would love to hear your thoughts as you dive deeper into it!
I don't know if there is an app that does it better than Duolingo. They really got me to a point where I felt bad for not continuing my Spanish lessons—no other app has reached that level so far. 😃
However, with the reward system, I am still looking for examples of how to apply it to B2B. So far, what I also really like is Asana. When you tick the box on a task for the day, there is a small confetti rain, which also feels really satisfying.
Interestingly, we also removed some outdated gamification systems at my current job. As you pointed out, they weren’t adding value to the user and only complicated certain flows and the overall app architecture.
One app that really takes gamification to the next level is WeWard with the card collection system. It’s classic gamification 101 (collect cards in exchange for points), but it’s surprisingly effective at keeping you engaged. And it motivates you to walk and make some money on top of it :D
On the B2B side (where is not easy to bring some gamification systems), HubSpot's 'Make My Persona' tool is an interesting example. It’s like creating an avatar in a game but with a clear purpose, turning the boring task of building a persona into something even interesting!
Oh super interesting, thanks for sharing these two examples. I will have to give them a go !
A key factor in the success of any award system or gamification strategy is its seamless integration into daily routines, making it feel natural and unobtrusive. Take Duolingo, for example: streaks aren't just rewards—they're a clever way to encourage consistent learning. Similarly, features like profile completion on LinkedIn are designed for meaningful connections, such as reconnecting with alumni or co-workers, while feeling like a simple, logical step in the user journey.
Great post! I enjoyed the ending with your story of the A/B test on badges within your app👏🏻
Dear Angèle, thank you for highlighting how these mechanisms function in various contexts and for different companies. I really enjoyed "Hooked" by Nir Eyal, but I feel you presented it in a way that describes it even more accurately than Eyal's four-stage model.
These activities build on our understanding of how the brain's reward system functions, and we tend to form attachments to things or activities in which we have invested time, words, or photos. That's worth reflecting on.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I’m glad you enjoyed the way I presented the ideas from Hooked—Nir Eyal’s work has been such a valuable resource for understanding user engagement.
You’re absolutely right about the role of the brain’s reward system and how our investments, whether in time, words, or photos, deepen our attachments. It’s fascinating (and humbling) to see how these mechanisms shape our habits and connections. Reflecting on these patterns can help us not only design better experiences but also make more mindful choices in our own lives.
What is interesting about these examples is that the customer's digital "reward" comes at virtually zero cost to the company. Handing out unlimited digital badges or streaks is a neat reward distribution model and there's no money changing hands either.
Loyalty/reward programmes need to not only be effective in impacting consumer behaviour, but also consider whether they are profitable as a whole once you start factoring in the operational running cost of the programme.
This was a great post Angele. I enjoyed reading it!
I completely agree, and that’s the beauty of games—everything, including their currencies and rewards, exists within a specific space and time. This creates a self-contained ecosystem where value feels tangible, even if it comes at minimal cost to the company. Thanks so much for your kind words—I’m glad you enjoyed the post! 😊
Very interesting read at a time where we are being triggered from all angles. Just started reading Influence and its mind blowing 🤯
Thank you! 😊 Influence is such a game-changer—every chapter feels like unlocking a new way of understanding how we’re wired. 🤯 Would love to hear your thoughts as you dive deeper into it!
Thanks Angele. It was a great read. Keep it coming. Thanks for the inspiration
Thanks for your comment, it means a lot 💛
Great piece.
I don't know if there is an app that does it better than Duolingo. They really got me to a point where I felt bad for not continuing my Spanish lessons—no other app has reached that level so far. 😃
However, with the reward system, I am still looking for examples of how to apply it to B2B. So far, what I also really like is Asana. When you tick the box on a task for the day, there is a small confetti rain, which also feels really satisfying.
Yes I can't really think of any examples, apart maybe from HR and Sales softwares. But they are a lot less common..