GAP-JOURNAL 2012/13 - AFA

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Asurvey among several (large) Austrian concerns showed acertain trend towards these
assumptions, though the sample could befurther enlarged. The results reveal complex
factors like dynamics and interdependency ashaving very strong effects onthe innovation
system.
Gamification –anew approach toemployeemotivation and learning
The following example ofcomplex system implementation leads usinto the field of
education. Recent studies have been capable toshow that the extensive playing of video
and computer games has not harmed the current generation toachieve an even better
education than the one before. In fact, frequent players sometimes seemed tohave
learned very useful skills and showed highest attention during playing. Education researchers
have called this phenomenon Gamification, and they reach out to use Gamification
strategies toimprove the way we learn, ortoget us doing things we would not be
interested todootherwise.
Asuccessful implementation ofthe Gamification approach gets theuserto
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Seek novelty –all humans have afundamental and archaic curiosity, that provides
them with satisfaction inexploring newthings;
Challenge themselves –instead of doing routine work, challenges can contributetospecial
excitement;
Think creatively –if there isplace and endorsement for creativity, the learning
process will be significantlyaccelerated;
Do things the hard way –changing from their personal comfort zone to their
stretch zone will give them the necessary attention tolearn new behaviour
faster;
Interact in anetwork –Learning processes knowingly improve, when asocial
component is offered. This can include doing things together, offering ahigh
scoreorcommunication channels between different players, etc.
In essence, Gamification tries to keep the fun level high and often involves multi player
settings. Gabe Zichermann even speaks about Generation G,anew generation whose
learning isbased on the broad implementation ofgamification principles and methods
(Zichermann 2010).