The Broken Gamification Model and the Rise of Cohort-Based Learning

The Broken Gamification Model and the Rise of Cohort-Based Learning

Introduction:
Gamification has become a popular trend in product design, with many companies incorporating game-like elements to engage users. However, this approach is often flawed and fails to achieve its intended goals. On the other hand, cohort-based learning has emerged as an effective educational format that promotes collaboration and practical learning. In this article, we will explore the shortcomings of gamification and the benefits of cohort-based learning, while also providing actionable advice on how to fix the broken gamification model.

The Pitfalls of Gamification:
One of the main issues with gamification is the excessive use of points, badges, and leaderboards. Many product designers believe that attaching virtual currencies to various actions will motivate users to collect them. However, this approach often leads to a shallow and unfulfilling experience, as users are driven solely by the desire to accumulate rewards rather than genuine interest or intrinsic motivation.

Furthermore, offering rewards for behaviors that should happen spontaneously can actually diminish users' intrinsic motivation. When people are put into "transaction mode" where they expect rewards for every action, their original motivations are overshadowed, resulting in a decrease in overall motivation levels.

Another problem with gamification lies in the condescending tone adopted by many systems. In an attempt to keep users engaged, these systems often congratulate users excessively, creating an artificial sense of accomplishment for even the most mundane tasks. This approach can come across as patronizing and ultimately detracts from the user experience.

Successful Examples of Cohort-Based Learning:
In contrast to the broken gamification model, cohort-based learning offers a more effective and engaging approach to education. In this format, a group of learners with a common interest come together to learn from an instructor. The emphasis is on collaboration, practical learning, and building a sense of community.

Platforms like Duolingo have successfully implemented cohort-based learning by providing a fun and interactive way to learn languages. The key to their success lies in offering a gamified experience that complements users' existing motivation to learn. By incorporating levels of difficulty and allowing for mistakes, Duolingo keeps users engaged and motivated throughout their language learning journey.

Similarly, software tools like Sublime Text and GitHub have utilized cohort-based learning principles to empower power users. These platforms provide advanced features that users can discover and explore at their own pace. By allowing users to define their standards for progress and visualizing their accomplishments, these tools create a sense of mastery and satisfaction.

Applying Cohort-Based Learning Principles to Fix Gamification:
To fix the broken gamification model, designers can draw inspiration from cohort-based learning principles. Instead of relying on superficial rewards, designers should focus on making users feel smarter and accomplished through intrinsic rewards. The emphasis should be on enabling discovery of advanced features, creating elegant user interfaces, and visualizing progress and accomplishments.

Designing for "flow," a state of deep engagement and immersion, is essential in creating a meaningful user experience. By avoiding the trap of virtual currencies and instead emphasizing the intrinsic reward of task completion, designers can foster a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Actionable Advice:

1. Focus on intrinsic rewards: Instead of relying on external rewards, design experiences that make users feel smarter and accomplished.
2. Enable user discovery: Allow users to explore and discover advanced features at their own pace, fostering a sense of mastery and curiosity.
3. Visualize progress and accomplishments: Provide clear visual cues to show users how far they've progressed and what they've accomplished, enhancing motivation and satisfaction.

Conclusion:
Gamification, as it is commonly implemented, has proven to be a flawed approach to engaging users. By shifting towards cohort-based learning principles, designers can create more effective and engaging experiences. By focusing on intrinsic rewards, enabling user discovery, and visualizing progress and accomplishments, the broken gamification model can be fixed, leading to more meaningful and fulfilling user experiences.