GAP-JOURNAL 2012/13 - AFA

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The interesting thing is that the theory ofGamification has in essence already been
understood decades ago. But still, Gamification has not yet arrived in all parts ofeveryday
life –especially not in business applications and processes. These areas seem to be
too sensible to implement simple systems that measure and reward success or creativity,
generatehigh scores, orconnect participants virtually.
Typical examples ofGamification implementations are computer or video games. Especially
the massively multiplayer online role-game “World of Warcraft” that has been
extensively played by millions of users is an often-cited example. The author has asked
several current and past players about the chances of implementing features that proved
to be successful in “World of Warcraft” into business applications and processes. The
answers proved tobequite similar: it is difficult to generate fair and transparent figures
that measure success in the “game”. Data that is currently available incorporations
would betoo superficial and could not cover e.g. long-term goals orthe potential of
creativity. The players would never accept an easy solution, and thus Gamification
would not work out.
Only recently, software developers started towork onon-demand services and applications
that offer the implementation ofGamification into already existing business solutions.
The bases oftheir products are complex algorithms and systems that measure
users commitment, accomplishments and growth, generate high scores, or deliver
achievements inanew and comprehensive way. Such complex systems will allow the
Gamification approach tothrive our businesses. Wesee again that the purposeful implementation
ofcomplexityhelps to reach totally newhorizons.
Further cases
Another interesting implementation ofcomplex systems isWolfram Research’s online
computational knowledge engine Wolfram|Alpha 3 ,anextensive online resource of scientific
data and explanations, capable of computations of various kinds –reaching from
mathematics, demography, and politics toeconomics, business analysis, and history.
Another company with special focus oncomplex systems isIBM: Their supercomputer
Watson is capable of answering questions posed innatural language that can originate
from generally any kind of topic ordiscipline. Multiple layers of Watson’s code include
3 See: http://www.wolframalpha.com/.