Utilizing Gamification in UX design

1. Challenge 

Challenge is considered to be one of the most compelling game elements. Challenges are commonly used in sports/planner apps to encourage users to stick to their goals. It can quickly motivate people to take action and is an excellent tool for improving user experience. To enhance the effect of challenges, it is a good idea to pair them with some kind of reward in the design and motivate users to participate. 

2. Points 

To measure the success of players, many apps use points as a value evaluation system. Points allow users to see as well as measure their achievements, while others can estimate the user's engagement with the site or app. Duolingo is the master of language learning gamification because it uses most of the potential of in-app currency, points, to its fullest. Duolingo allows users to reduce the time it takes to unlock higher levels through ‘fancy’ actions such as winning streaks and double rewards, the user is able to cultivate an excess of learning time. 

3. Trophies and medals

When users complete challenges or collect a certain number of points, the points can be used to exchange for trophies and medals, which are often used in video games as virtual rewards. In addition, medals and stickers can also be used as a badge of honor when innovative features are introduced in a product, and such rewards can often be an additional incentive for users. 

4. Leaderboards 

Nothing motivates users more than the desire to be the winner. A list of players in order of "who got more medals (or points)" can boost user motivation. But if the top player is too far ahead of everyone else, most users may be demotivated by the disparity. Therefore, we need to be careful in applying this game element when designing or make a reasonable data deduction before implementing. 

5. Progress bars and user journeys

This game mechanism aims to make the process of interacting with the product as easy to understand as possible. The integration of this mechanism into the product design can make the user feel like a real player, starting a personal journey through the use of the product. As the user journey progresses further and the user becomes more experienced in using the product, the designer can expose more and more achievements and skills to motivate more exploration. LinkedIn took the progress bar to a new level by using color psychology and scenario-based headlines to keep users moving through the experience, just as people keep exploring in games.