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The distinction between logical, extrinsic motivation and creative, intrinsic motivation in the Octalysis Framework

Core Idea: Within the Octalysis Framework, Core Drives are organized into Left Brain Core Drives (focused on logic, calculation, and ownership) and Right Brain Core Drives (focused on creativity, social aspects, and curiosity), representing different types of motivational forces.

Key Elements

• Left Brain Core Drives

  • Core Drive 2: Development & Accomplishment - achievement and progress
  • Core Drive 4: Ownership & Possession - owning, controlling, and improving
  • Core Drive 6: Scarcity & Impatience - wanting what you can't have
  • Generally associated with extrinsic motivation (driven by goals and rewards)
  • More focused on analytical thinking, logic, and calculation
  • Often implemented through metrics, targets, and collectibles
  • Examples: LinkedIn's profile completeness, collection mechanics, achievement systems

• Right Brain Core Drives

  • Core Drive 3: Empowerment of Creativity & Feedback - creative expression
  • Core Drive 5: Social Influence & Relatedness - social connection and meaning
  • Core Drive 7: Unpredictability & Curiosity - engagement with the unknown
  • Generally associated with intrinsic motivation (activity is rewarding itself)
  • More focused on creativity, self-expression, and social dynamics
  • Often implemented through open-ended design and social features
  • Examples: Facebook's social interactions, creative platforms, exploration games

• Balance Considerations

  • Systems heavy on Left Brain drives may be effective but feel like "work"
  • Systems heavy on Right Brain drives may be enjoyable but lack structure
  • Well-designed systems typically balance both types of motivation
  • Different users may respond more strongly to different types of Core Drives
  • Experience phases may require different balances of these drives

• Motivational Traps

  • Overemphasis on Left Brain Core Drives can reduce creativity and problem-solving ability
  • External rewards (Left Brain focus) can diminish intrinsic motivation for inherently enjoyable tasks
  • Daniel Pink's research shows high reward-driven motivation (Left Brain) can actually decrease performance in creative tasks
  • Left Brain Core Drives can shift users from social norms to market norms, changing how they interact with systems

• Important Clarification

  • Not literal brain geography but symbolic differentiation
  • A conceptual model rather than a neurological claim
  • Represents a useful mental model for design purposes

Additional Connections

• Broader Context: Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation (related psychological framework)
• Applications: Motivational Design (practical application in creating balanced systems)
• See Also: Social Norms vs Market Norms (related concept on interaction frameworks)

References

1. Chou, Y. (n.d.). Actionable Gamification: Beyond Points, Badges, and Leaderboards.
2. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation.
3. Pink, D. (2009). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us.

#gamification #motivation #intrinsic-motivation #extrinsic-motivation #octalysis

Sources:

• From: Chou-Actionable Gamification