Table 1 Gamification mechanics, dynamics, and strategies

Game mechanics

 Points and badges

Straightforward gamification methods where participants earn points or badges for completing tasks or achieving milestones.

Capitalizes on the sense of achievement and progression, encouraging users to continue their engagement.

 Leaderboards

They rank participants based on their performance, creating a competitive environment that spurs users to strive for the top position.

Taps into the natural human desire for recognition and status.

 Challenges and quests

Incorporating challenges, missions, or quests adds an element of adventure and accomplishment to the learning process.

Participants undertake specific tasks or objectives, receiving rewards upon completion.

 Progress bars and levels

Similar to video games, participants progress through different levels as they achieve specific goals or demonstrate competence.

Advancing to higher levels can provide a sense of accomplishment and drive continued engagement.

 Rewards and Incentives

It offers tangible rewards, such as discounts, certificates, or tangible items.

Motivates participants to actively participate and excel in the learning experience.

 Feedback and Progress Tracking

Regular feedback on participants' progress, strengths, and areas for improvement.

They keep participants informed and motivated to continuously enhance their performance.

Game dynamics

 Competitive leaderboards, collaborative team missions, and community interaction, sets of badges, and unexpected rewards upon unlocking new challenges

Dynamics create an environment that captivates, motivates, and empowers users to actively participate and achieve desired outcomes.

Leverage intrinsic human desires, such as achievement, competition, mastery, and social interaction, to enhance engagement and participation.

Strategies

 Quizzes

Can be used for assessing learning skills as well as the efficacy of other gamification tools.

Facilitate interactive assessments and provide immediate rewards.

 Narrative and storytelling

Immersing participants in a compelling narrative can make the learning experience more engaging and memorable.

Users become active participants in a storyline, interacting with characters and making choices that impact the outcome.

 Avatars and customization^a

Allowing users to create and customize their avatars or digital personas adds a personal touch to the learning process.

Fosters a sense of ownership and connection with the content.

 Collaboration and social interaction

Incorporates social elements, such as team-based challenges, collaborative tasks, or peer-to-peer interactions.

Enhances engagement through social dynamics and a sense of community.

 Simulation and real-world application

Real-world scenarios or simulations that allow participants to apply their knowledge and skills in practical contexts.

Enhancement of the relevance and applicability of the learning experience.