Octalysis: Complete Gamification Framework - Yu-kai Chou

Octalysis: Complete Gamification Framework - Yu-kai Chou

Linking Your Thinking

Gamification is a powerful tool that can be used to enhance engagement and motivation in various activities. It involves incorporating elements from games into real-world or productive tasks to make them more enjoyable and rewarding. One popular framework that helps in implementing gamification is Octalysis, developed by Yu-kai Chou. Octalysis is designed as an octagon shape with 8 Core Drives, each representing a different aspect of human motivation.

One of the core drives in Octalysis is Epic Meaning & Calling. This drive taps into the player's desire to feel like they are doing something greater than themselves or have been chosen for a specific purpose. When a player believes that their actions have a significant impact and contribute to a larger cause, they are more motivated to engage and put in effort.

Another important core drive is Development & Accomplishment. This drive focuses on the internal motivation to make progress, develop skills, and overcome challenges. It is the drive that pushes players to constantly improve and achieve mastery. Without a sense of accomplishment and growth, gamification loses its effectiveness. A badge or trophy without a challenge becomes meaningless.

Empowerment of Creativity & Feedback is another core drive that plays a crucial role in gamification. It involves engaging users in a creative process where they have to figure things out and try different combinations. It is important to provide users with the opportunity to see the results of their creativity, receive feedback, and respond accordingly. This core drive taps into the innate human desire to express oneself and be acknowledged for it.

The concept of suspense and unpredictability is also a powerful motivator. When there is uncertainty about what will happen next, the brain is engaged, and people think about it more often. This drive is why people enjoy watching movies or reading novels. However, it is also the primary factor behind gambling addiction. It is crucial to strike a balance and use this drive responsibly in gamification.

Octalysis divides the core drives into two categories: Right Brain Core Drives and Left Brain Core Drives. The Right Brain Core Drives are more related to creativity, self-expression, and social aspects, while the Left Brain Core Drives are associated with logic, calculations, and ownership. Both types of core drives have their importance and should be considered when designing a gamified system.

Extrinsic motivators, which are driven by Left Brain Core Drives, involve obtaining something external, such as a goal or a reward. These motivators can be effective in the short term but may lose their impact once the extrinsic motivator is removed. On the other hand, Intrinsic motivators, driven by Right Brain Core Drives, do not require external rewards. Activities that tap into creativity, socializing, or the suspense of unpredictability can be rewarding on their own.

It is important to note that a good gamified system does not need to incorporate all the Core Drives. Instead, it should focus on the ones it does implement and do them exceptionally well. Some successful products excel in leveraging Social Influence, while others rely on Scarcity as their primary motivator.

In addition to understanding the core drives, it is also essential to consider the different types of tools and behaviors that can enhance thinking and creativity. Tools like Evernote, Ulysses, Bear, Roam, and Obsidian serve different purposes and cater to different thinking styles. Evernote is great for collecting ideas, while Ulysses and Bear are ideal for writing and building stories. Roam and Obsidian, on the other hand, are useful for connecting and organizing ideas.

To make the most out of these tools, it is important to identify the thinking style that suits you best. If you love generating ideas, Evernote can be a valuable tool for capturing and organizing them. If you enjoy building stories out of ideas, Ulysses and Bear can provide a focused writing environment. For those who thrive on connecting and relating ideas, Roam and Obsidian offer powerful database and linking capabilities.

To conclude, gamification is a powerful tool that can enhance engagement and motivation in various activities. The Octalysis framework provides valuable insights into the different core drives that motivate individuals. By understanding and incorporating these core drives, gamified systems can be designed to tap into the inherent desires and motivations of users. Additionally, utilizing tools that align with different thinking styles can further enhance creativity and productivity.

Actionable advice:

• 1. Identify the core drives that resonate with your target audience and focus on implementing them effectively in your gamified system. Understand what motivates your users and design experiences that cater to those motivations.

• 2. Incorporate elements of suspense and unpredictability to keep users engaged. Tap into their desire for novelty and the thrill of not knowing what will happen next. However, use this drive responsibly and avoid crossing the line into unhealthy addictive behaviors.

• 3. Utilize tools that align with your thinking style to enhance creativity and productivity. Experiment with different tools like Evernote, Ulysses, Bear, Roam, and Obsidian to find the ones that best suit your needs and thinking preferences.