Gamification toolbox – better than PBLs

Gamification critics are quick to point out the poor uses of game elements as an indication that gamification leaves a lot to be desired. In many cases they are correct. PBLs (Points, Badges, and Leaderboards) are quickly becoming the staple of a gamified application. Although they are excellent game elements, they may or may not make sense in a particular scenario. Excellent game elements will never make a poorly designed process fun. More importantly, we shouldn't hope that they would. Unfortunately, they are defining the gamification industry.

However, there are myriad of tools (that is, game elements) in the Gamification Toolbox at our disposal, and only those that encourage the behaviors that we target should matter. It's about the quality of the elements versus the quantity that will determine the success of the system.

Here are some examples of Game Dynamics:

• Social interactions: Relationships generate a sense of team and belonging. For example...