Investigation into Game-Based Strategy Approach

In the realm of gamification, understanding the players and their needs is crucial to avoid failure in projects. According to the authors of the book "Gamification at Work: Designing Engaging Business Software", Janaki Kumar and Mario Herger, observation activities, interviews, process familiarization, and questionnaires are essential tools for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the background of gamification missions.

Observation activities involve monitoring players to identify any barriers they face in achieving objectives. However, it is important to remember that observation alone does not provide a full understanding of what players are working on, the issues they are facing, or their enjoyment and satisfaction levels.

To delve deeper into the issues and needs of colleagues or freelancers, it is necessary to gather more information. This can be achieved through interviews, which can be an incredibly effective way of discovering what players need. Interviews can be conducted with players, end clients, and others who interact with players to understand the real problems and potential pressing issues.

Process familiarization also plays a significant role in gamification. By becoming familiar with existing processes, UX designers can identify areas for improvement as part of the gamification exercise. This step helps in developing gamification that meets the needs of players.

Questionnaires can reach a larger audience in a cost-effective manner, providing valuable insights into the players' thoughts and feelings. They are useful tools for gathering data and can help in understanding the players' motivations and expectations.

However, relying on a low level understanding of what is going on can lead to the failure of a gamification project. It is essential to approach players as people and conduct thorough analysis to develop an accurate understanding of the mission before commencing the gamification project.

The trouble with glossing over analysis in gamification is that it can lead to a poor understanding of the player state and the intended state following the gamification intervention. The authors suggest that research is the lifeblood of knowledge, and analysis will show the fine details, as long as it is done correctly.

In conclusion, the use of various research tools, including observations, interviews, process familiarization, and questionnaires, can help in conducting an effective analytical exercise for gamification projects. By understanding the players and their needs, we can create engaging and effective gamification experiences that drive success.