Game Technique #2 for recognizing accomplishment
Core Idea: Achievement Symbols are visual representations that signify user accomplishments, effective only when they genuinely represent meaningful achievements rather than trivial actions.
Key Elements
Various Forms
- Badges
- Stars
- Belts
- Hats
- Uniforms
- Trophies
- Medals
- Digital certificates
Implementation Principles
- Must Symbolize Real Achievement: Should represent genuine accomplishment, not trivial actions
- Ineffective Example: "Clicked on My First Button Badge"
- Effective Example: Badge for solving a unique problem through creative skills
- Appropriate Difficulty: Should require meaningful effort to obtain
- Visual Design Matters: Aesthetic quality affects perceived value
- Scarcity Creates Value: Too many symbols dilutes their significance
Psychological Impact
- Creates sense of pride and accomplishment
- Provides tangible representation of abstract achievements
- Serves as status markers within communities
- Creates collection motivation
- Functions as identity markers for users
Common Pitfalls
- Over-implementation: Too many trivial badges create badge fatigue
- Meaningless Awards: Symbols for trivial actions feel insulting
- Poor Design: Unattractive symbols reduce perceived value
- Misalignment: Symbols unconnected to core product values
Additional Connections
- Broader Context: Core Drive 2 - Development and Accomplishment (primary motivation leveraged)
- Related Techniques: Status Points (often work together as recognition systems)
- See Also: Win-States in Gamification (achievement symbols mark win-states)
References
- Chou, Yu-kai. "Actionable Gamification: Beyond Points, Badges, and Leaderboards."
#gamification #badges #achievement #recognition #motivation
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