Gamification as a Tool for Performance Improvement

GAMIFICATION UNLEASHED: When most people think of gamification in eLearning, they picture points, badges, and leaderboards. But the true power of gamification lies in meaningful choices and real consequences? Instead of just adding a game-like layer to an eLearning course, we should think about how we can use gamification to create immersive, decision-driven experiences. Branching scenarios are a prime example. They allow learners to make choices that affect the actual outcome of the scenario—providing a more engaging and personalized learning journey. It’s not just about making learning fun—it’s about creating a realistic simulation where every choice matters. This approach helps learners experience the impact of their decisions in a safe environment, which translates to better understanding and retention. In a recent project, I designed a branching scenario where learners navigated complex decision paths in a simulated environment. Each decision led to different consequences, mirroring real-life outcomes. This not only made the learning process more engaging but also deepened learners' understanding of the material. By focusing on the real-world application of decisions, gamification became a powerful tool for meaningful learning rather than just a decorative element. #Gamification #eLearning #BranchingScenarios

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 Your training format is just outdated.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.

What happens when coaches fully commit to a Game-Based Approach? This study on Gaelic football offers a look. Instead of isolated drills, coaches designed sessions rooted in modified games and scenario-based challenges. The result wasn’t just increased engagement—it was measurable improvement in actual game performance. Players exposed to GBA-trained environments had: - More frequent high-intensity actions - Greater tactical decision-making involvement - Higher subjective enjoyment and perceived relevance Perhaps most telling: these players also showed better transfer of skills from training to competition. This reinforces a growing body of evidence in sport science: the closer the training resembles the game, the more likely athletes are to adapt successfully under pressure. GBA isn’t just about making practice more fun—it’s about making it more meaningful. https://lnkd.in/gXDzS-Ej