How do you evaluate and select the best gamification platforms and vendors for your needs?

Does the product meet the purchasing need? Are security standards complied with? Are architectural principles complied with? Are quality standards complied with? Are monitoring/logging features provided? Is there ease of integration existing systems? Is it possible to upgrade easily and distance? Does it include solutions using new technologies? Is license management appropriate? Is there local support? Does it attach importance to business continuity/risk management/security issues? Flexibility in game design Number of game elements Authorization Infrastructure Maintenance - on premise Documentation - References Sector Experience Company size and investors. Local Exp. Database/Scenario Separation UI Customization (API / Widget)

I’ve seen companies sink tons of money into gamification platforms without a clear idea of what they’re trying to achieve. It’s not just about making work ‘fun.’ It’s about aligning your strategies with your core business objectives and enhancing your organizational culture. And remember, competition isn’t everything. Don’t just create a rat race in the name of gamification. Incorporate elements of collaboration. Make it meaningful. You’re dealing with people, not just players on a leaderboard. Don’t be blind to the potential pitfalls. If not done thoughtfully, gamification can backfire. It’s crucial to ensure your strategies are inclusive and accessible. Don’t alienate anyone in the process.

Games and gamified systems serve different purposes! Video games simply focus on the gameplay and aim to provide enjoyable, game-like experiences. On the other hand, gamified systems are used with external goals in mind (e.g., acquiring new knowledge or skills in an educational setting, or increasing engagement in health-related apps). As a designer or business involved in gamification, it's important to identify the specific behavioral outcomes you hope to achieve with your users, beyond simply offering them a fun experience. These outcomes should be something the users choose to pursue voluntarily.

When defining gamification goals and metrics, it's also crucial to consider: Ensure that gamification goals align with broader business objectives. Consider the design and user experience of the gamification elements. Choose scalable and flexible gamification approaches. Evaluate the cultural fit of the gamification strategy within your organization. Adhere to data privacy and security standards. Incorporate feedback mechanisms to refine the gamification strategy. Ensure the gamification system is inclusive and fair to all participants.

When evaluating gamification platforms, most people focus on features, integrations, or user experience. But here’s something most don’t think about: sometimes less is more. Instead of looking for a platform packed with endless mechanics—points, badges, leaderboards—what you really need is something that aligns deeply with the psychology of your team or audience. Too many features can actually distract or overwhelm. A simpler, more focused approach might resonate better with your users and lead to more meaningful engagement. Instead of obsessing over what’s shiny, ask yourself: What’s essential to drive behavior change?

I agree with Jeremy, it's not about features. Actually, Gamification itself is not about features or game mechanics. What you are really looking for is a way to change people's behavior with your product or service, and the only way to ensure that outcome is with a strong background in Behavioral Science and Motivational Psychology. A vendor that offers you 3 or 5 mechanics but actually knows what they're doing and can prove it with a scientific background is much better than another one that has 200 mechanics that are just copy-cats of popular games. In fact, the actual best thing to do is to create a personalized experience with the 2 or 3 bespoke mechanics that make the most sense based on your product, Business Metrics and User Types

El punto de referencia más grande en la comparación es que la empresa que venda soluciones gamificadas o diga que hace gamificación pueda demostrarte que conoce sobre las ciencias del comportamiento, más allá incluso de las mecánicas de juego. Por otra parte siempre es recomendable pensar como un #GameMaster por lo que también recomiendo que en su grupo de trabajo existan personas que estén afin con esta temática de juego, como los gamers. Porque sinceramente nadie comprende mejor un videojuego que un gamer, por ende el entendimiento de las dinámicas y técnicas de juego las relacionará más fácil y se transmitirán inconscientemente al diseño del proceso gamificado. La gamificación no es teoría, es una forma de pensar. #GameMode

Here’s some straight talk for you - It’s not just about features, it’s about execution. A platform could have the most comprehensive feature set, but if it’s clunky and difficult to use, you’ve already lost half the battle. User experience is key, so consider it from your employee’s point of view. Remember, if your people aren’t engaged, your gamification strategy will fall flat. Another thing, don’t sleep on the importance of your relationship with the vendor. After-sales support, scalability, regular updates - all these matter in the long run. You’re not just buying a product; you’re entering into a partnership. In the end, it’s about people - your people.

Hay que tener en cuenta algo muy importante en el mercado de capacitación, hay empresas posicionadas que llevan 30 años vendiendo los mismos programas, cambiandoles sólo el "empaque". Cuando te hables de gamificación, pregunta por los modelos, la metodología, el diseño. Si sólo te hablan de que es "gamificado" porque es lúdico y entretenido, y tiene puntos y competencias, no hay gamificación, sólo otro panorama al que le pusieron etiquetas y que sí, será muy entretenido ir al cajón del Maipo y hacer un paseo, pero el lunes siguiente seguirá todo igual. Otro rasgo importante es si las "estrategias" son generales, sin tomar en cuenta a los participantes, es una solución genérica. Investiga y consulta sobre resultados y testimonios.

Platforms that allow users to set goals, track progress, and receive meaningful feedback aligned with their personal aspirations are more likely to drive long-term engagement and behavioral change. Also, consider how each platform uses behavioral economics techniques like scarcity and loss aversion to guide users towards desired actions.

Don’t forget to include your IT team in this conversation - they’ll be the ones integrating this platform, after all. And here’s a hot tip: ask about the vendor’s future roadmap. If they’re worth their salt, they’ll have a vision for how their product is going to evolve. And make sure that vision aligns with yours. Now, let’s get real for a second. Not every business has the luxury of running small group tests with multiple platforms. If that’s you, don’t beat yourself up about it. Make the best decision you can with the information you have, and be ready to pivot if things don’t work out. Remember, no one else is in your shoes. Only you know what’s best for your company.

Ensuring a seamless integration is crucial for maintaining smooth operations and data flow within your organization. Seek out vendors who offer robust APIs and support for various data formats to ensure compatibility with your current infrastructure. Additionally, give careful consideration to the platform's scalability and customization options. Furthermore, prioritize vendors who demonstrate a commitment to ongoing support and updates.

Gamificar no es añadir sal o pimienta para sazonar, es rediseñar las experiencias y las estrategias. Pasa mucho que las empresas grandes, compran los mismos tipos de cursos porque innovar es un texto pegado en una pared como "valor" pero no experimentan cosas nuevas. Así que si en verdad quieres gamificar y experimentar resultados diferentes, no sigas haciendo el "paseo de curso" anual a tus colaboradores, o sí, pero que sea parte de una estrategia. No les pidas elegir entre un plan de capacitación e ir a los go karts, ¡Haz ambas!