Game Technique #3 for comparative achievement
Core Idea: Leaderboards are ranking systems that compare users based on performance criteria aligned with desired actions, creating motivation through social comparison and status recognition.
Key Elements
Design Variations
- No-Disincentive Leaderboards: Only show users slightly above and below the user
- Prevents discouragement from seeing impossibly high scores
- Group Leaderboards: Rank teams rather than individuals
- Leverages social responsibility and team dynamics
- Refreshing Leaderboards: Reset periodically to give everyone new hope
- Example: Weekly or monthly leaderboards
- Micro-leaderboards: Compare among friends or similar users
- Example: Seeing yourself ranked among 20 friends instead of millions of users
Psychological Effects
- Creates social comparison motivation
- Provides status recognition for achievements
- Generates "Urgent Optimism" when well-designed
- Users feel optimistic about accomplishing tasks with urgency to act
- Can trigger competitive drive and increased engagement
Implementation Pitfalls
- Poor design can demotivate users who see themselves far from the top
- May discourage users who are not naturally competitive
- Can promote unhealthy behaviors if metrics are poorly chosen
- May feel artificial if not connected to meaningful achievements
Effective Application Contexts
- Environments with natural competition
- Communities with strong social connections
- Short-term campaigns or challenges
- Activities where objective measurement is possible
- Situations where social recognition is valued
Additional Connections
- Broader Context: Core Drive 2 - Development and Accomplishment (primary motivation)
- Related Drives: Core Drive 5 - Social Influence & Relatedness (leveraged in group leaderboards)
- See Also: Status Points (often used as the leaderboard ranking metric)
References
- Chou, Yu-kai. "Actionable Gamification: Beyond Points, Badges, and Leaderboards."
- McGonigal, Jane. "Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World." (for the concept of Urgent Optimism)
#gamification #competition #social_comparison #motivation #ranking
Connections:
Sources: