The Power of Questions in Gamification

The Power of Questions in Gamification

Gamification is a process that involves using game design elements in non-game contexts to motivate and engage users. Yu-kai Chou, a gamification expert, has developed a complete framework called Octalysis that helps businesses design more effective gamified experiences for their customers. Peter Thiel, a renowned entrepreneur, believes that the single best interview question a business can ask is "What important truth do very few people agree with you on?". While these two concepts may seem unrelated, they actually share a common thread: the power of questions.

The Octalysis framework is based on eight core drivers of human motivation, which are divided into four categories: white hat, black hat, extrinsic, and intrinsic. By understanding these drivers, businesses can design gamified experiences that tap into users' deepest desires and motivations. One way to do this is by asking questions that help uncover users' motivations and preferences. For example, a fitness app might ask users what their fitness goals are, which can then be used to tailor the app's gamified features to those goals.

Similarly, the power of questions is also evident in Thiel's interview question. By asking candidates to share an important truth that few people agree with them on, Thiel is not only testing their ability to think critically and independently, but also uncovering their motivations and values. This question allows Thiel to gain insight into the candidate's thought process and whether they possess the qualities he values in his employees.

Ultimately, both Octalysis and Thiel's question demonstrate the importance of understanding human motivation and using that understanding to design better experiences. Whether it's through gamification or hiring practices, asking the right questions can help businesses tap into users' deepest desires and motivations. By doing so, businesses can create more engaging and effective experiences that drive results and foster loyalty.