Gamification: law firms think outside the Xbox

What is gamification?

Technically, it’s applying game design and methods to training to engage, encourage and motivate users. The basic idea is that, if you make the learning as engaging as possible, the “player” will learn and understand more while they are playing and then retain more once the learning has concluded.

Gamification can be as simple or as complex as you design it to be. From static images on a screen to animated characters, from clicking on answers to touch-screen immersion, you can generate interest and hold attention by gamifying what might otherwise be seen as a necessary but uninteresting part of workplace training.

How can it be used by the business world in general?

If you associate the word “gamer” with teenage boys frantically tapping consoles until 3am you are not alone, but statistics suggest the reality is very different indeed. About 59% of 6–65 year olds are gamers and, of that 59%, nearly half are women. You might be surprised to know that, aside from dedicated gaming experiences such as sophisticated online multiplayers, every time you log on to an app, whether you are trying to run faster, lose weight or you’re just trying to beat the Ultimate Boss at the end, you are gaming. It is part of everyday life and the number of players will only increase as technology develops and accessibility improves.

The prospect of engaging, encouraging and motivating new and existing employees, clients and customers through gamification means the technology goes hand-in-hand with an expanding business.

How does it help with HR and recruitment?

HR is about helping people per