Implementing Gamification in Performance Training

I turned WCAG accessibility training into games. Here's what happened when "boring compliance" became actually fun: Over the weekend, I built 3 games: WCAG Wordle, contrast quiz, and an "accessibility repair shop" with combo points. I sent it to friends (who normally fall asleep during these trainings) and here's what I learned. Key insight #1: Adults learn the same way kids do. We just convince ourselves corporate training needs to be serious and boring. Oregon Trail taught geography. Why can't games teach WCAG? Key insight #2: Competition changes everything. Put a leaderboard on literally anything and people who "hate training" suddenly become experts. Current high score: 464 points. Key insight #3: When you have to actively DO something (pick colors, guess terms, fix violations), you build mental models that stick. Passive learning = passive forgetting. The uncomfortable truth: Your team isn't "resistant to accessibility training." Your training format is just outdated. We're teaching 2025 brains with 1995 methods. Every "dry" corporate skill could be gamified: cybersecurity awareness, compliance training, sales processes, code reviews. The content isn't boring. The delivery is. Bottom line: When learning feels like playing, people don't just complete training, they master it. Is accessibility training at your company? Bet we could gamify it. And it would improve outcomes. PS Wordle answer in the comments.

Is your gamified eLearning a fun adventure or a cognitive obstacle course? 🎮🧠 While gamification can be a powerful tool to boost engagement and motivation, it's crucial to strike the right balance. Too much complexity in game elements can overshadow the actual learning objectives. Let's explore how to gamify wisely! 🏆🤔 👉 Keep It Simple Choose gamification elements that enhance learning without requiring extensive cognitive effort to understand. Simple point systems or progress bars can be highly effective without overwhelming learners. 🎯📊 👉 Align with Learning Objectives Ensure that your gamification elements directly support and reinforce your learning goals. Avoid flashy features that don't contribute to the core content. 🔍🎓 👉 Provide Instant Feedback Use gamification to offer immediate feedback on learner performance. This can boost motivation and help learners quickly identify areas for improvement. 💬⚡ 👉 Gradual Complexity If you're introducing more complex game elements, do so gradually. Allow learners to become comfortable with basic features before introducing advanced ones. 📈🧩 Remember, the goal is to enhance learning, not to create the next hit video game. 🎮 #GamifiedLearning #eLearningDesign #CognitiveLoad #EngagementStrategies #InstructionalDesign ---------------------- Hi! I'm Elizabeth! 👋 💻 I specialize in eLearning development, where I create engaging courses that are designed to change the behavior of the learner to meet the needs of the organization. Reach out if you need a high-quality innovative learning solution. 🤝

If you've read general gamification advice until it's coming out your ears (Know your users! Integrate it early!) but you've been thirsting for a practical guide that just lists the damn techniques, today is your lucky day. I am launching a 4-part series this month that explains what I consider the 31 Core Gamification Techniques and exactly how to use them. Here's an excerpt: 1. Progress Bars What it is: A visual representation of advancement toward a defined goal. Usually depicted as a bar or circle that fills up based on user actions. Can track overall progress or completion of specific tasks. Why it works: Progress bars make abstract advancement concrete and visible. They also leverage the Zeigarnik Effect — our psychological need to complete unfinished tasks. A partially filled bar creates a subtle but powerful urge to fill it completely. Best uses: Progress bars shine in onboarding flows, multi-step processes, and skill development tracking. They’re particularly effective when tracking project or task completion where each step has clear value. Watch out for: Progress bars fail when advancement feels arbitrary or meaningless. Don’t use them when goals are too distant or updates are too infrequent. Users will ignore bars that move in unpredictable ways. Warning Signs: ❗ Users report confusion about what actions advance the bar ❗ Progress feels inconsistent or unpredictable ❗ Users complete bar but express no satisfaction ❗ High abandonment on partially filled bars The key is making sure each increment feels meaningful and achievable. LinkedIn’s profile strength indicator works because each step clearly improves your profile. A progress bar tracking “overall health” would feel arbitrary and demotivating. Real world example: Headspace’s meditation course progress bars excel by breaking advancement into small, clear segments. Each completed session moves the bar noticeably. The goal always feels within reach, and progress is never lost. Read Part 1: Progress & Achievement here: https://lnkd.in/ejanePzF #gamification #design #uxdesign #engagement #productdesign