GamiDOC: The Importance of Designing Gamification in a Proper Way

Abstract

Gamification, commonly described as the use of game design elements in nongame contexts, is frequently adopted to enhance users' motivation, engagement, and happiness while supporting them in reaching different objectives, related to learning activities and behavioral changes. Despite being a widely used approach, several studies show that the final outcomes following gamification use are not always positive. To face this problem, we developed a tool called GamiDOC composed of different features aimed at facing the existing problems in the gameful systems design process and, at the same time, guiding designers and practitioners in the design and evaluation of gamified solutions. In this article, we present the elements that make gameful systems design a challenging process, the state of the art in gamification design, and the issues that are still open in the design of gameful systems. Finally, we provide a detailed description of GamiDOC and why the tool stands as a valuable solution to guide users across all the stages of gameful systems design, development, and evaluation. Finally, we present a usability evaluation of GamiDOC and a use-case scenario.