From the course: Gamifying Training to Improve Learning Outcomes

Game design fundamentals

From the course: Gamifying Training to Improve Learning Outcomes

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Game design fundamentals

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So you're putting together a training program and want it to be more fun, but you don't quite know where to start. I get it. Adding fun is definitely not as easy as it sounds. Well, it all comes down to the fundamentals and a strong grasp of key elements of game design will give you the tools to steer your training in the right direction. In this lesson, I'll break down the fundamentals for you. But I do have to warn you, once you get started gamifying, it's hard to stop. At its core, game design is about integrating creative interactive elements into your training. Whether it's for a preexisting training or a brand new program, you can update engagement by introducing games, themes or physical activities directly into the teaching. For example, you can take an onboarding and gamify it. Splitting up new hires into teams for a quick trivia break can do wonders for engagement and camaraderie. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to work out all the details. I love using methods like storytelling, competitions and group activities which are all highly engaging and easy to implement. Other methods you can choose include pop quizzes, breakout groups, or scavenger hunts. At the end of the day, the right method is the one that fits smoothly into your training without overtaking your training goals. Everyone loves a fun game of Jeopardy, but if you learners walk away without those learning key points, this is the opposite of a successful training. And finally, like most things in life, consistency is a key factor in success. That means your activities, storytelling and games need to be consistent. Things shouldn't seem random unless that's by design. You need consistency across team members, visual designs, handouts, links, resources, and on and on. A successful game design is easily understood by anyone who participates. Let me give you an example. Say you've adopted a spring theme to gamify your training. You wouldn't want your participants showing up in winter attire, viewing your fall slide deck and listening to your summer playlists. A spring theme should mean your slide decks are branded with flowers, your team coordinates to wear bright colors, and your icebreaker is something like, What's your favorite spring activity? Whatever you choose, stay consistent and you'll be on the right path. I encourage you to start designing your next training with what you've learned here. Start small and bounce your ideas off your team. You've got this.

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