Actionable Gamification: Beyond Points, Badges, and Leaderboards

by Yu-kai Chou

During Onboarding, they might be motivated by Core Drive 2: Development & Accomplishment – feeling smart and competent during the early stages. During the Scaffodling Phase, they might be motivated because of the social dynamic (Core Drive 5) as well as trying to go after the goal they could not reach yet (Core Drive 6: Scarcity & Impatience). In the Endgame, they might continue to be engaged because they don’t want to lose their status and achievements (Core Drive 8: Loss & Avoidance). How you design for all four Experience Phases through the 8 Core Drives will strongly demonstrate your ability as an Octalysis Gamification Designer. Of course, never forget to design for the proper nature of the Core Drives, understanding when you want to have more Black Hat, when to have more White Hat, and when to use Extrinsic/Intrinsic motivators.