GTx: Accessible Gamification

by The Georgia Institute of Technology

Accessible Gamification: Unlocking the Power of Game Design

Course Description

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of Gamification with this innovative computer science course offered by GTx. "Accessible Gamification: Unlocking the Power of Game Design" is a captivating exploration of how game design principles can be applied to non-game contexts, making everyday tasks more engaging and enjoyable. This course offers a unique perspective on the intersection of gamification and accessibility, providing you with valuable insights and practical skills that can revolutionize your approach to user experience design.

What students will learn from the course:

Fundamentals of Gamification and its application in business processes
Basics of Digital Accessibility and its interaction with Gamification
Techniques for deriving Game Design Patterns from popular digital games
Methods to apply gamification principles while meeting accessibility requirements
Understanding of player types and motivations
Strategies for designing reward systems, challenges, and action spaces
Application of game design concepts to web-based environments

Pre-requisites or skills necessary to complete the course:

Some software development and web development experience
Familiarity with basic computer science concepts
Bonus: Experience playing digital games will be beneficial

What the course will cover:

Introduction to Gamification concepts and patterns
Exploration of player types and motivations
Intersection of Gamification and Accessibility
Game Design Patterns: Reward, Discovery, Challenge, Development, and Action Space
Analysis of popular digital games and their design elements
Application of gamification principles to business processes
Designing accessible gamification solutions for web environments

Who this course is for:

This course is ideal for:

Software developers interested in enhancing user engagement
UX/UI designers looking to incorporate game design principles
Business professionals seeking innovative ways to improve productivity
Game enthusiasts curious about the underlying mechanics of their favorite games
Anyone interested in the intersection of technology, psychology, and user experience

How learners can use these skills in the real world:

The skills acquired in this course have numerous real-world applications:

Enhancing employee engagement and productivity in corporate settings
Improving user retention and satisfaction in software applications
Designing more effective educational tools and e-learning platforms
Creating accessible and engaging digital experiences for diverse user groups
Developing innovative marketing strategies using gamification principles
Optimizing healthcare applications to encourage better patient outcomes
Enhancing customer loyalty programs in various industries

Syllabus:

Week 1: Gamification

Games and fun
Gamification concepts
Real-world examples of motivation
Player types (Bartle's taxonomy)
Beyond Bartle: Advanced player classification

Week 2: Accessible Gamification

Gamification concepts and requirements
Sample business process analysis
Accessibility: personalization vs. accessibility
Universal Design principles
Challenges in combining gamification and accessibility

Week 3: Game Design Patterns

Distinguishing game design from game mechanics
Reward systems
Discovery elements
Challenge design
Character and world development
Action space concepts

Week 4: Examples: Reward & Challenge

Designing effective reward systems
Challenge design in business processes
Applications for web-based environments
Case studies: RPG quest rewards and casual games

Week 5: Examples: Action Space & Development

Action space models and pollution
Character development and progression
Visual and economic elements in game design
Applications for web browsers and interfaces

This comprehensive course will transform your understanding of gamification and equip you with the tools to create engaging, accessible experiences in various digital contexts.

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