We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Kevin Werbach
Gamification is the application of game elements and digital game design techniques to non-game problems, such as business and social impact challenges. This course will teach you the mechanisms of gamification, why it has such tremendous potential, and how to use it effectively. For additional information on the concepts described in the course, you can purchase Professor Werbach's book For the Win: How Game Thinking Can Revolutionize Your Business in print or ebook format in several languages.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/665wod/gamificatio
Here's a deal for you
Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
Gamification and Games
Gamification is a new field, but games are ancient. In this first module, we'll look at what gamification is, why organizations are applying it, and where it comes from. While there isn’t universal agreement on the scope of the field, a set of concepts are clearly representative of gamification. The second lesson explains why the concept of games is deeper than most people realize, and how game design serves as a foundation for gamification.
Read more
Syllabus
Gamification and Games
Gamification is a new field, but games are ancient. In this first module, we'll look at what gamification is, why organizations are applying it, and where it comes from. While there isn’t universal agreement on the scope of the field, a set of concepts are clearly representative of gamification. The second lesson explains why the concept of games is deeper than most people realize, and how game design serves as a foundation for gamification.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores gamification, which is a rapidly growing field with applications in business, education, and social impact
Taught by Kevin Werbach, an expert in gamification and behavioral economics
Provides a comprehensive overview of gamification, from its basic principles to its latest applications
Offers hands-on exercises and real-world case studies to help learners apply gamification techniques
Suitable for learners with a wide range of backgrounds, including business professionals, educators, and social impact practitioners
May require additional resources for learners who want to delve deeper into specific aspects of gamification
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Theoretical foundation of gamification
According to learners, this course provides a solid theoretical foundation in gamification, explaining the core concepts, frameworks (like PWR and MDA), and the psychology behind engaging design. The instructor is highly engaging and knowledgeable, making the video lectures clear and easy to follow. The course structure is well-organized, building knowledge logically from definitions to applications. While it excels in the 'why' and 'what' of gamification, many reviewers note that it lacks sufficient practical 'how-to' guidance and detailed real-world case studies, suggesting it serves as an excellent introduction that will likely require supplemental study and practice for implementation in specific contexts. Overall, the sentiment is largely positive, viewing it as a valuable starting point for understanding the field deeply.
A good start, but not comprehensive.
"This course is a great starting point for understanding gamification, but you'll need to seek out more resources for practical implementation."
"Consider it a strong introduction; further reading, practice, and potentially other courses are necessary for mastery."
"I learned a lot, but I know I need to explore more resources to fully apply these ideas in my work."
Assignments are reasonable.
"The assignments reinforced the concepts without being overly time-consuming."
"Quizzes and assignments were fair and seemed designed to check understanding of the material."
"I felt the workload was appropriate for an online introductory course..."
Modules flow logically and clearly.
"The course modules are well-organized, building concepts logically week by week from basic definitions to applications."
"I appreciate how the syllabus breaks down the complex topic into manageable and digestible parts."
"It was easy to follow the progression of ideas throughout the course."
Lectures are clear and knowledgeable.
"Professor Werbach is an excellent lecturer; he's articulate, knowledgeable, and keeps you engaged."
"The instructor clearly knows the subject matter inside and out and presents it effectively."
"I found the lectures well-produced and easy to follow, thanks to the engaging delivery."
Provides a solid conceptual foundation.
"The course offers a really solid foundation in the core theories and frameworks of gamification."
"I gained a deep understanding of the 'why' behind gamification mechanics and its psychological underpinnings."
"Explains the concepts and models very clearly, providing the necessary academic background."
"Focused heavily on the theoretical side, which is great for understanding the principles."
Less focus on hands-on implementation.
"While the theory is strong, I felt it lacked enough guidance on *how* to actually implement gamification projects step-by-step."
"Could benefit from more practical examples, detailed case studies, or hands-on exercises for applying the concepts."
"I was hoping for more practical tools and techniques rather than just the underlying principles."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Gamification with these
activities:
Explore online resources on gamification principles
Show steps
Additional resources can provide supplementary information and examples to reinforce your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Online Learning
Show steps
-
Search for online tutorials on gamification principles.
-
Follow the tutorials and apply the principles to examples.
Read 'For the Win: How Game Thinking Can Revolutionize Your Business'
Show steps
The book covers the concepts of gamification and game design in detail, providing a solid foundation for understanding the course material.
View
For the Win, Revised and Updated Edition: The...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
-
Identify examples of gamification in your own life.
Organize and review notes and course materials regularly
Show steps
Regular review and synthesis of course materials will improve retention and understanding.
Browse courses on
Note-Taking
Show steps
-
Set aside time each week to review notes.
-
Organize notes and materials in a logical structure.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Join a study group for the course
Show steps
Collaborating with peers can provide different perspectives, support, and motivation.
Show steps
-
Find or create a study group with classmates.
-
Meet regularly to review course material and discuss concepts.
Attend a gamification conference or meetup
Show steps
Engaging with professionals in the field can provide insights, connections, and additional learning opportunities.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
-
Research and identify upcoming gamification conferences or meetups.
-
Attend the event and participate in discussions.
Practice designing game elements and mechanics
Show steps
Hands-on practice in designing game elements and mechanics will help you apply the course concepts to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Game Design
Show steps
-
Create a list of game elements and mechanics.
-
Design a game using the elements and mechanics you listed.
Contribute to an open-source gamification project
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source project allows you to gain practical experience and collaborate with others in the field.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Find an open-source gamification project that interests you.
-
Identify how you can contribute to the project.
Participate in a gamification design competition
Show steps
Participating in a competition can push your limits, enhance your creativity, and provide feedback on your progress.
Show steps
-
Research and find a suitable gamification design competition.
-
Develop a gamified solution and submit your entry.
Develop a gamified solution for a real-world problem
Show steps
Applying your knowledge of gamification to a real-world problem will demonstrate your understanding of the concepts and their practical applications.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
-
Identify a real-world problem that could benefit from gamification.
-
Design a gamified solution to the problem.
Explore online resources on gamification principles
Show steps
Additional resources can provide supplementary information and examples to reinforce your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Online Learning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for online tutorials on gamification principles.
- Follow the tutorials and apply the principles to examples.
Read 'For the Win: How Game Thinking Can Revolutionize Your Business'
Show steps
The book covers the concepts of gamification and game design in detail, providing a solid foundation for understanding the course material.
View
For the Win, Revised and Updated Edition: The...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
- Identify examples of gamification in your own life.
Organize and review notes and course materials regularly
Show steps
Regular review and synthesis of course materials will improve retention and understanding.
Browse courses on
Note-Taking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Set aside time each week to review notes.
- Organize notes and materials in a logical structure.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Join a study group for the course
Show steps
Collaborating with peers can provide different perspectives, support, and motivation.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or create a study group with classmates.
- Meet regularly to review course material and discuss concepts.
Attend a gamification conference or meetup
Show steps
Engaging with professionals in the field can provide insights, connections, and additional learning opportunities.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify upcoming gamification conferences or meetups.
- Attend the event and participate in discussions.
Practice designing game elements and mechanics
Show steps
Hands-on practice in designing game elements and mechanics will help you apply the course concepts to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Game Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a list of game elements and mechanics.
- Design a game using the elements and mechanics you listed.
Contribute to an open-source gamification project
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source project allows you to gain practical experience and collaborate with others in the field.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an open-source gamification project that interests you.
- Identify how you can contribute to the project.
Participate in a gamification design competition
Show steps
Participating in a competition can push your limits, enhance your creativity, and provide feedback on your progress.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and find a suitable gamification design competition.
- Develop a gamified solution and submit your entry.
Develop a gamified solution for a real-world problem
Show steps
Applying your knowledge of gamification to a real-world problem will demonstrate your understanding of the concepts and their practical applications.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a real-world problem that could benefit from gamification.
- Design a gamified solution to the problem.
Career center
Learners who complete Gamification will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Game Designer
Game Designer
Game Designers apply game design principles to create engaging and fun games. This course, Gamification, provides a strong foundation in game design principles and techniques, which are directly applicable to a career as a Game Designer. By understanding the motivations behind game mechanics and behaviors, learners of this course will be well-equipped to create games that not only entertain but also effectively engage and reward players.
UX Designer
UX Designer
UX Designers are responsible for designing the user experience of digital products and services. This course, Gamification, can be highly valuable to a UX Designer as it provides insights into how to apply game mechanics to create engaging and motivating user experiences. By understanding the principles of gamification, UX Designers can create digital products and services that are not only user-friendly but also enjoyable to use.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and management of products and services. This course, Gamification, can be beneficial to a Product Manager as it provides knowledge on how to apply game mechanics and techniques to enhance product experiences. By incorporating gamification principles into their products, Product Managers can increase user engagement, loyalty, and satisfaction.
Learning and Development Manager
Learning and Development Manager
Learning and Development Managers oversee the training and development of employees within an organization. This course, Gamification, can be valuable to a Learning and Development Manager as it provides insights into how to use game elements and techniques to create engaging and effective learning experiences. By applying gamification principles to employee training programs, Learning and Development Managers can increase learner motivation and retention.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This course, Gamification, can be useful to a Marketing Manager as it provides knowledge on how to apply game elements and techniques to create engaging and memorable marketing campaigns. By integrating gamification principles into their campaigns, Marketing Managers can increase audience engagement, brand recognition, and lead generation.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead sales teams and develop strategies to achieve sales goals. This course, Gamification, may be helpful to a Sales Manager as it provides insights into how to apply game elements and techniques to motivate sales teams and increase sales performance. By implementing gamification principles into sales processes, Sales Managers can encourage healthy competition, reward success, and drive results.
Customer Success Manager
Customer Success Manager
Customer Success Managers help customers get the most value out of products and services. This course, Gamification, may be useful to a Customer Success Manager as it provides knowledge on how to apply game elements and techniques to create engaging and rewarding customer experiences. By implementing gamification principles into customer support and onboarding processes, Customer Success Managers can increase customer satisfaction and retention.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts gather and analyze data to help businesses improve their operations. This course, Gamification, may be helpful to a Business Analyst as it provides a deeper understanding of human motivation and behavior. By applying gamification principles to business processes, Business Analysts can increase employee engagement, productivity, and innovation.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. This course, Gamification, may be useful to a Project Manager as it provides insights into how to apply game elements and techniques to motivate project teams and stakeholders. By incorporating gamification principles into project management processes, Project Managers can increase team collaboration, reduce delays, and improve project outcomes.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and patterns. This course, Gamification, may be helpful to a Data Analyst as it provides a deeper understanding of human behavior and motivation. By applying gamification principles to data analysis processes, Data Analysts can make data more engaging and actionable, leading to better decision-making.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course, Gamification, may be useful to a Software Engineer as it provides insights into how to apply game design principles to create engaging and user-friendly software applications. By incorporating gamification principles into their designs, Software Engineers can increase user adoption, satisfaction, and retention.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software applications to ensure they meet quality standards. This course, Gamification, may be useful to a Quality Assurance Analyst as it provides a deeper understanding of user behavior and motivation. By applying gamification principles to testing processes, Quality Assurance Analysts can make testing more engaging and effective, leading to higher quality software products.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation for software products and services. This course, Gamification, may be useful to a Technical Writer as it provides insights into how to apply game design principles to create engaging and user-friendly documentation. By incorporating gamification principles into their writing, Technical Writers can increase reader engagement, comprehension, and retention.
Game Developer
Game Developer
Game Developers design and develop video games for a variety of platforms. This course, Gamification, may be useful to a Game Developer as it provides a deeper understanding of game design principles and techniques. By applying gamification principles to their game designs, Game Developers can create games that are not only fun and engaging, but also motivating and rewarding.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers create and develop training and educational programs. This course, Gamification, may be useful to an Instructional Designer as it provides insights into how to apply game design principles to create engaging and effective learning experiences. By incorporating gamification principles into their designs, Instructional Designers can increase learner motivation, retention, and satisfaction.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/665wod/gamificatio
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Gamification.
This book, written by the course instructor, provides a comprehensive overview of gamification, its potential, and how to use it effectively. It serves as an excellent companion to the course, offering additional insights and practical guidance.
Provides a practical guide to gamification design and implementation. It valuable resource for anyone interested in creating gamified systems that are effective and engaging.
Save
Provides an in-depth look at the psychological principles that underlie gamification. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding how gamification can be used to motivate and engage people.
This practical guide focuses on the application of gamification in educational settings. It provides valuable insights and strategies for educators and instructional designers interested in incorporating game elements into their teaching practices.
Save
Written by a leading game designer, this book explores the transformative power of games and their potential to address real-world challenges. It provides a thought-provoking perspective on the intersection of games and social impact.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the art of game design. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the principles of game design and how to create engaging and enjoyable games.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of gamification. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history, theory, and practice of gamification.
Save
Explores the use of gamification in marketing and sales. It provides a valuable overview of the potential benefits and challenges of using gamification to improve customer engagement and conversion rates.
Provides a practical guide to gamification design and implementation. It valuable resource for anyone interested in creating gamified systems that are effective and engaging.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/665wod/gamificatio
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
4.8
Effort
17 hours to complete
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Pennsylvania
Instructor
Kevin Werbach
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser