Comments on: Healthcare leaders are betting too much on limited impact of gamification

By: Dan Hawtrey

Dan Hawtrey — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 18:10:54 +0000

Agree. Gamification is just one of the many ‘layers’ that help drive behaviour change. But another point worth noting is that most games are only fun for a while. Very few games keep their players hooked and playing for the long term. And if they do, they are usually a die-hard, somewhat obsessed minority. This is why the other layers are so important: social, data analysis, tips and encouragement, depth of experience (i.e. as you get into it you discover and learn more), etc.

By: Jason Boies

Jason Boies — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 17:50:04 +0000

Interesting piece here, Dan. I tend to agree with Ron above, gaming principles can and will be an important PIECE of the puzzle. Not the solution in and of themselves mind you, but I think getting in the habit of being active CAN stick with some people in the long term.

Cheers
Jason Boies
Radian6 Community Team

By: Ron Wince

Ron Wince — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:23:30 +0000

Great points. Gamification is not a one-size-fits-all solution but then there is no such thing in today’s world. In this case I believe games can be an important step forward in getting the mechanics of new habits in motion. Long term success will rest on moving from this form of “deliberate practice” to intrinsic motivations. But this is a great way to start building new habits early.