Simulations are great for teaching and training skills. Yet the effectiveness of a simulator can be improved when it is combined with gamification techniques. By improving the experience of simulations through gamification, users will stay motivated longer and their training will be improved.
A simulation is an imitation of reality. Simulators can be used for surgical training, educating students and more.
Simulations are also suitable for training and demonstrating practical training situations. Yet the use of simulators has its challenges. Users of simulations are known to struggle with the required motivation needed to maximize the training effect of simulators. This was the case at the University Medical Center Groningen. Surgeons found the training simulator boring and made little use of it, although they derived great pleasure from playing Angry Birds during each break.
Making simulators more effective with gamification
Simulators often do not use gamification techniques. Trainees may find the simulator incredibly fun in the beginning, but in the long run their motivation dwindles significantly, decreasing effectiveness.
Gamification is a technique in which game elements are incorporated into a process to motivate users. We all like a challenge or a competition. It motivates us to go the extra mile and to be the best, especially when there is a reward in return. There is a reason why games use a leaderboard, badges, rewards and the sense of competition among players.
A major advantage of gamification is that it is relatively easy and quick to implement. Suppose it is possible to keep score in the simulation, then a competition between users can already be set up. In the next section, we give more examples of gamification techniques for simulators.
Gamification techniques for simulators
There are several gamification techniques that can be used to stimulate human emotions and create a positive user experience. The main elements for a good gamification solution are challenges, goals, rewards, feedback and competition.
1. Challenges and goals
Motivation comes by pursuing challenges and goals. In gamification, there can be different (end) goals. Think of achieving a certain number of points, becoming first on the leaderboard or completing a level. When we accomplish such challenges, endorphins are released in our brains. Endorphine is also called the happiness hormone. It makes us feel euphoric.
Sometimes, the goal can be presented in the form of a game story. You often see this in serious games, such as Underground. This game revolves around the story of a brave girl named Sari and her robot friend, Sw4nk. Sari’s father is unhappy with Sw4nk, and sends him to the mines. As the player, surgeons in this case, takes on the role of Sari, the objective is to free Sw4nk from the mines. Players empathize with the characters and are motivated to complete all the levels and finish the game by striving for the end goal of freeing the robot friend.
2. Rewards and feedback
Challenges and goals are more fun when they are achievable. There is a reason why sales departments often use sales targets. If the employee reaches them, they receives a bonus. Of course, you don’t have to give a financial bonus when someone makes sufficient use of a simulation. You can also work with points and badges.
Points are a reward for successfully completing an activity. These points also provide insight into game progress. An important function of points is to provide feedback on the performance of a player.
Badges work both as a reward and as a way of providing feedback to the player. When a player completes a level or challenge, they receive a visual badge. This in turn helps to release the happiness hormone. In addition, badges provide insight into progress. For example, the player can be told in advance that there are 12 badges to be earned. The player then knows that with 8 badges they’re well on their way to the top of the leaderboard. A gamified simulator must be built in such a way that each user has their own account, where they can see the progress.
3. Competition
Learning as a team is more effective. Playing together or competing against other players also has a positive effect on the user experience of a gamified simulator. Leaderboards are a way to stimulate competition between players. A leaderboard is a visual ranking based on the number of points gained. You have insight into your total score and that of other players. For instance, when a player sees that they’re in second place with 4 points behind, they are motivated to play more and capture first place.
If the gamified simulator cannot display a visual leaderboard, an offline leaderboard can be used. With the leaderboard, the players or the supervisor can keep track of the total scores. At the end of the competition, prizes can be given out to the top scorers.
Conclusion
Simulators are still suitable for training and for preparing trainees for real-life situations. The effectiveness of a simulator can be improved with gamification techniques, such as challenges, rewards and competition. By using these techniques, players are more motivated, both in the short and long term.
Want to know more about gamification for simulations? Please contact Tim Laning to discuss it:
