gamify your work
TRANSCRIPT
http://www.flickr.com/photos/doonvas/2315357364/
Gamify Your Work
Denise R. Jacobs <AngleBrackets /> Conference Las Vegas, NV 28 October 2013
I am: @denisejacobs This fine event is: #anglebrackets And I’m talkin’ ‘bout: #gamifyingwork
Twitter Game On!
I like to make stuff
I did write this
Speaker + Author + Creativity Evangelist
Used with permission: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aarronwalter/4629076165/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/npobre/2601582256/
Let’s go!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33909700@N02/3159761620/
Watch this much?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jspad/456002261/
Like her?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/misterjt/2852023962/
Or him?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/timsnell/6182788196/
An alternative
In this book…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/avantgame/2283846513/
Some people’s reality
“The opposite of play isn’t work. It’s depression.” - Brian Sutton-Smith, The Ambiguity of Play
Food for thought
Most people’s attitude about work
Could it be like this?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bibi/5448158773/
Work or games?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevekocino/4143481195/
Game on
http://www.flickr.com/photos/irrezolut/2311904560/
Low energy at work?
It’s your neurological system’s indication that you are squandering energy on the wrong goals.
You need to shift focus
Challenge over boredom also Productivity over dissipation
Our natural preference
Photo courtesty of Flickr
But here’s the problem
Source: [5] Work Game
Tasks repetitive, dull repetitive, fun
Feedback once a year constantly
Goals contradictory, vague clear
Path to Mastery unclear clear
Rules unclear, intransparent clear, transparent
Information too much and not enough right amount at the right time
Failure forbidden, punished, don't talk about it
expected, encouraged, spectacular, brag about it
Status of Users hidden transparent, timely
Promotion kiss-up-o-gracy meritocracy
Collaboration yes yes
Speed/Risk low high
Autonomy mid to low high
Narrative only if you are lucky yes
Obstacles accidential on purpose
Work vs. Play
http://www.flickr.com/photos/estevenson/2641282945/
Make work more like play!
Photo from Denise Jacobs
More specifically, play games
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brendio/71252025/
You may ask
“Playing games is more fun than fun.” - Jane McGonigal, Reality is Broken
Because
http://www.flickr.com/photos/awesomefound/5035646358/
Gamefulness
The use of game play mechanics for nongame applications.
Gamification
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fullman/181112810/
Game Mechanics
Principles, rules, and/or mechanisms that govern a behavior through a system of incentives, feedback, and rewards with reasonably predictable outcome.
Game Mechanics
Achievements Appointments Behavioral Momentum Blissful Productivity Bonuses Cascading Information Theory Combos Community Collaboration Countdown Discovery Epic Meaning Free Lunch
Game Mechanics Infinite Gameplay Levels Loss Aversion Lottery Ownership Points Progression Quests Reward Schedules Status Urgent Optimism Virality
http://isodomos.com/technica/history/1940/1949.php
Game Mechanics are building blocks
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lego_Color_Bricks.jpg
You can take these blocks
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michale/105825096/
And string them together
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gennie_stafford/3462042833/
To drive a complex sequence
Temporal evolution and patterns of both the game and the players that make the game (or any gamified activity) more enjoyable.
Gaming Dynamics
• Rules • Parameters • Time limits • Players • Environment
Such as
Google Zurich
gMechanics+gDynamics+Work=Awesome
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicksherman/539896911/
Some pointers
http://www.flickr.com/photos/daquellamanera/3041235238/
Stop multitasking
http://www.flickr.com/photos/angietorres/4564765098/
Figure out some new goals
“In the absence of clearly defined goals, people are forced to concentrate on activity and ultimately become enslaved by it.” - Charles Coonradt, The Game of Work
Food for thought:
Banish the Inner Critic
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mythoto/3822942678/
It’s an inside game
http://www.flickr.com/photos/doonvas/2314546751/
Shift your stress
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcymet/3292063588/
Negative stress
You experience negative stress when you are afraid of failure or danger, and perceive pressure coming from external sources.
Negative Stress
http://www.flickr.com/photos/taylor-mcbride/7048678715/
Eustress
Eustress, which comes from internally motivated actions and choices – is stress that we have willingly chosen.
Eustress
Eustress makes people feel focused and optimistic, alert, determined, persistent, and exhilarated. Eustress further makes us more ambitious and likely to succeed, try new things, cooperate with others, and gives us a sense of achievement.
Eustress is good, mmkaay?
Instead of wondering “Can I do this?” ask yourself “How can I do this?”
Game Changer: Change the question
http://www.flickr.com/photos/avantgame/2323853965/
Fiero
Courtesy of Flickr
Caveat Gamer
Play to your strengths
http://www.flickr.com/photos/epublicist/3546059144/
DO NOT focus on your weaknesses
You will only improve 10-15 %
(and it will be painful)
- Tom Rath, Strengths Finder 2.0
Why?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/whatwhat/5460824/
Ready?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ph0t0s/64157471/
(1) Commit to overcome self-chosen challenges
When you engage in a game, you sign yourself up to tackle unnecessary obstacles in the spirit of learning and having fun. See if you can weave this approach into your work life.
(1) Commit to overcome self-chosen challenges
http://www.flickr.com/photos/heathbar/7390628146/
(2) Set-up clear goals, steps, feedback & rewards
As humans we are optimized to do work and we are happier working hard than relaxing. More satisfying work comes from clear missions, a clear path to get to the desired outcomes, reliable feedback of our progress, and rewards that we value.
(2) Set-up clear goals, steps, feedback & rewards
The faster and more clear the feedback, the more motivated you are to move forward.
Feedback
May not be what you are thinking (ie, money). Sometimes the reward of doing something well, learning something new, helping others, etc. is more than enough.
Rewards
http://www.flickr.com/photos/artnoose/5908811743/
(3) Keep upping the ante
By undertaking a difficult challenge, accomplishing something difficult, participating in moving experiences, and stimulating our curiosity, we stimulate a rush of neurochemicals which make us feel confident, energetic, highly motivated, excited, proud, satisfied, powerful and in control.
Feel the rush
http://www.flickr.com/photos/laughingsquid/2717325940/
Embrace #FAIL
Contrary to popular thought, “fun failure” actually energizes us and lends a sense of urgent, but flexible optimism.
Fun failure
http://www.flickr.com/photos/freakapotimus/376167615/
Urgent Optimism
With urgent optimism comes extreme self-motivation: the desire to act immediately to tackle an obstacle combined with the belief that we have a reasonable hope of success.
Maintain urgent optimism
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shirinwiniger/3680885289/
(4) Make it Epic
Things epic are those of heroic proportions which far surpass the ordinary, especially in size, scale, and intensity.
(4) Make it Epic
Envision yourself embarking upon a challenge that is so awe-inspiring to you
that it makes clear your place in the larger scheme of things, stimulates a desire to
serve, and gives you a sense of reverence or participating in an expansive process
that unites you with others as part of a bigger whole.
Game Changer: An Epic mind game
An outcome that is so extraordinarily positive that is you didn’t know it was possible until you achieved it.
An “Epic Win”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/debord/4932655275/
What’s your gaming personality?
• Achiever • Explorer • Socializer • Killer
Are you a…?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/clappstar/6297835482/
Achiever
Prefer to gain "points," levels, equipment and other concrete measurements of succeeding in a game. Will go to great lengths to achieve rewards that confer them little or no gameplay benefit simply for the prestige of having it.
Achiever
• Sign yourself up to win the grand prize in employee competitions
Achiever suggestions
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thivierr/1501007265/
Socializer
Choose to play games for the social aspect, rather than the actual game itself. Gain the most enjoyment from a game by interacting with other players
Socializer
• Create lunch and learns to help the team share information and learn from each other
Socializer suggestions
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jtcatbagan/1557200142/
Explorer
Prefer discovering areas, creating maps and learning about hidden places.
Explorer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rene_ehrhardt/2762573549/
Need to look around at their own pace
http://www.flickr.com/photos/foodclothingshelter/5065956689/
Particularly like finding
• Discover things that people overlook
Explorer suggestions
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobocracy/389725895/
Game Changer: Find untapped knowledge
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vfsdigitaldesign/6078442869/
Killer
Thrive on competition with other players Most interested in affecting their environment
Killer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vfsdigitaldesign/6078982744/
Seek worthy opponents to test skills
• Create “Collabetition” relationships at work
Killer suggestions
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyefruit/1097398/
Some tips for
http://www.flickr.com/photos/venosdale/7051066181/
Curiosity is key
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rituraj64/7935302396/
Create an Epic Meaning Statement
http://www.flickr.com/photos/barretthall/205175534/
“Real-world” quest
http://www.razeware.com/
There’s an app for that
http://www.flickr.com/photos/myfear/289257055/
Minimize Time to Flow
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nostri-imago/3137422976/
The goal?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/international-festival/3018718331/
Blissful productivity
The sense of being deeply immersed in your work that produces immediate and obvious results.
What’s that?
Finding Flow
Tiny Habits
http://tinyhabits.com/
The structure
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anetq/8543067943/
1. In the positive
2. Present tense
2 modifications
Anchor to a current habit
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotobydave/333883245/
Congratulate yourself
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathan_hamner/3386076488/
Big results
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anetq/8543069503/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/f-oxymoron/5005673112/
What will all of this make you?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarflondondunc/4089393132/
Awww yeah!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/generated/2084287794/
Go from unfocused
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pulpolux/3317141795/
To finding focus
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sashawolff/3228711025/
Get your kudos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7730492@N03/4958540694/
Your changes
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vfsdigitaldesign/6078442693/
Can infect others
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8286330@N03/4322042366/
Now’s the time to
http://www.flickr.com/photos/benny4bs/6036778636/
Why?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/untitled13/83391194/
And instead of being like this at work
http://www.flickr.com/photos/picfix/6502442657/
You can be like this!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/modenaroid/4103509077/
No more being a passive spectator
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wyldkyss/3872579840/
Don’t be chicken, get your game on!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/colemama/3941644833/
It’s your move – what’s it going to be?
My books
The CSS Detective Guide CSSDetectiveGuide.com
InterAct With Web Standards: InterActWithWebStandards.com
My chapter: “Learning with the Web”
Smashing Books #3 & #3 1/3 SmashingBook.com
My chapter: “Storytelling in Webdesign”
My articles for further reading netmagazine.com/features/ four-secrets-enhancing-creative-productivity alistapart.com/articles/ reigniting-your-creative-spark/ alistapart.com/articles/ banishing-your-inner-critic/
DeniseJacobs.com
twitter.com/denisejacobs
facebook.com/denisejacobsdotcom
How to find me
Photo used with permission: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aarronwalter/4629078087/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/theredproject/3302110152/
Thank You!