From fixed mindset to growth mindset: the complete guide - Examples of Gamification pitfalls and how to avoid them

From fixed mindset to growth mindset: the complete guide - Examples of Gamification pitfalls and how to avoid them

In her seminal book Mindset, American psychologist Carol Dweck explains the two main mindsets we have when approaching new challenges—or even life in general. Fixed mindset — “In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. Growth mindset — “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.”

The idea is that what is commonly called intelligence can be “grown” incrementally by means of hard work, positivity, resilience, and training, and that people can be placed on a continuum according to their implicit views of where their abilities come from. Contrary to what many people think, the adult brain is not “hard-wired” with fixed neuronal circuits. It’s actually very plastic. Neuroplasticity can be defined as the ability of the brain to change continuously throughout your life. It means your brain keeps on changing, adapting, and forming new connections even as you grow older. More importantly, it means your cognitive abilities are not fixed.

Before we explore ways to foster a growth mindset, it’s crucial to be able to spot your own fixed mindset triggers. Having to work hard. Facing setbacks. Getting negative feedback. Being challenged. Seeing success in others. “In one world, effort is a bad thing. It, like failure, means you’re not smart or talented. If you were, you wouldn’t need effort. In the other world, effort is what makes you smart or talented.”

When you have a growth mindset, the hand you are dealt is just a starting point for personal growth. Remember the concept of neuroplasticity. Don’t say failing, say learning. Place growth before speed. Grow with others. Having a growth mindset is related to having an open mind. Instead of seeing your abilities, skills, knowledge, and values as fixed, you always push into the unfamiliar, to ensure you are always learning. What am I struggling with right now? What is one thing I will try that will get me out of my comfort zone? What new strategies did I try? What mistake did I make that taught me something?

Now, let's shift our focus to gamification and the pitfalls that can arise from it. Gamification is a powerful tool for industries to engage users and create a sense of motivation and accomplishment. However, if not implemented correctly, it can lead to negative experiences and disengagement.

One common pitfall in gamification is not understanding what your users want. It is important to align your gamification flow with the desires and motivations of your users. For example, Google News could have awarded badges based on how often a user reads instead of the content they were reading. By understanding the user's preferences and building the gamification flow around that, you can create a more meaningful and engaging experience.

Another pitfall to avoid is complexity. Keep it simple. Users should be able to easily understand the rules and objectives of the game. For instance, Zappos created a one-day-only event where customers could win a free pair of jeans by checking in to GAP via the Local Deals Feature on Facebook Places. However, the focus on checking in overshadowed the motivation behind it. To avoid this, it is important to strategize and build a habit-forming experience. By implementing loyalty programs, you can build a loyal customer base and keep users engaged.

Communication is also crucial in gamification. Users need to understand how to play the game and what actions will lead to certain outcomes. Marriott faced this issue when users didn't know how to improve their scores or what they could have done differently. By providing clear instructions and feedback, users will feel motivated to continue participating and striving for higher achievements. Foursquare, for example, could have implemented multiple statuses instead of just mayor, which would have provided users with more motivation to continue checking in and acquiring different positions.

In conclusion, gamification can be a powerful tool for engagement and motivation when implemented correctly. It is essential to understand the desires and motivations of your users, keep the experience simple and easy to understand, and provide clear communication and feedback. By doing so, you can create a gamified experience that is enjoyable, motivating, and ultimately beneficial for both the users and the business.

Actionable advice:

1. Understand your users: Take the time to research and understand what motivates your users. Build your gamification flow around their desires and preferences.

2. Keep it simple: Avoid complexity and ensure that the rules and objectives of the game are easy to understand. Users should be able to navigate the gamified experience without confusion.

3. Communicate effectively: Provide clear instructions, feedback, and guidance to users. Help them understand how to improve their performance and what actions will lead to desired outcomes.

By following these actionable advice, you can create a successful gamification strategy that engages and motivates your users while avoiding common pitfalls. Remember, gamification is more than just badges and points; it is about creating a meaningful and enjoyable experience for your users.