Challenging interfaces are more fun! Operant conditioning for the interaction designer

Abstract

Since 2010, gamification of interfaces has been a growing trend in interaction design, creating fun and compelling interfaces that increase user motivation and involvement; in some cases, even modifying user behaviour. However, critics point out that gamification is not suited for all applications; and being a new interaction design method, there is probably a potential for improvement of the method. This review article provides an analysis of gamification in terms of operant conditioning, suggesting that gamification is based on mechanisms described by behaviourists as operant conditioning; and that a better understanding of the latter provides the interaction designer with tools to create better and more accurate gamified interactions, as well as motivating and compelling interfaces without the use of game design elements.