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:

  1. Enhancing employee engagement and productivity in corporate settings
  2. Improving user retention and satisfaction in software applications
  3. Designing more effective educational tools and e-learning platforms
  4. Creating accessible and engaging digital experiences for diverse user groups
  5. Developing innovative marketing strategies using gamification principles
  6. Optimizing healthcare applications to encourage better patient outcomes
  7. 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.