Ethics of Gamification

Preparation

Read the “Gamified Life” by Vincent Gabrielle.

Optional: Consider also reading:

In Class

Task 1: Group Discussion

The instructor will guide you through a discussion about the ethics of gamification.

Task 2: Fix It

In groups of 3 or 4, work to improve the Disney work tool from the article. Describe:

  1. The user incentives
  2. How the game is scored
  3. What elements will be added or removed so the system is less manipulative and exploitative

Try to keep the tool useful and interactive, while increasing productivity.

Share Your Thoughts

After your discussion is complete, have someone from your team write your proposed changes to the Disney work tool on the board.

Task 3: Research Another Gamified Activity

You should complete this activity individually.

Choose a different example of gamification to research (i.e., other than the Disney work tool). You can choose from examples in the readings, the discussion, or from searching online. You should research a non-game activity that has been gamified (e.g., driving for Uber). Don’t research something that is simply a game itself (e.g., Fortnite). Read and link to at least two articles about the gamified activity.

Fill in and submit the template shown below. Write at least a few sentences for each question.

Template

Submit

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Learning Goals

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Harvard’s CS179 materials, which served as a basis for this activity.