Gamification refers to the integration of various game-like elements into an app to increase user engagement and retention. Adding game-like elements to non-gaming mobile apps has proven to be quite effective in improving user engagement and increasing user retention because it makes non-gaming mobile apps more enjoyable and fun for the users, and provides them with a sense of accomplishment.
If you are a mobile app developer looking to increase user engagement and retention, you should definitely consider adding gaming elements and dynamics to your non-gaming mobile apps. So how do you implement gamification to non-gaming mobile apps? Let’s find out, as we discuss various ways in which gamification can be implemented into non-gaming mobile apps.
Points and Rewards Systems
The points and rewards system is commonly used in non-gaming mobile apps to enhance user engagement. It is a proven gamification technique that helps to increase user engagement levels. The points and rewards systems involve assigning users points for completing various tasks and activities such as tapping on the start chat now for the first time or using the app for one year straight. The points that users accumulate represent their progress and engagement level with the app.
As users accumulate a certain set of points, they should be prompted to access a variety of rewards, ranging from virtual goods to in-app currency and real-world incentives. The points and rewards systems intrinsically motivate users to increase their engagement with the app and perform various actions.
Badges and Achievements
Badges and achievements are almost used in every app these days because these are quite effective in enhancing user engagement with the app. Badges and achievements are not mere symbols but they represent the personal milestones of each user on their app journey. Whether it is a fitness app or a motivational app, badges and achievements are popular in every app category, and adding these to your app is a great way to implement gamification.
Levels and Progression
Another way to implement gamification into your non-gaming app that can encourage the users to download the app on their devices is by adding a levels and progression system. By adding a level and progression system into your app, you are making the user journey into a rewarding adventure for users that they will enjoy. As they progress ahead and move to higher levels, they can unlock new features and challenges, which makes the user journey more exciting and fun.
Levels and progression systems are properly structured and motivate users in such a way that users enjoy interacting with the app and anticipating what the app holds next for them.
Leaderboards
If you haven’t already implemented this feature, then what are you waiting for because your competitors are already doing it. Adding a leaderboard system to a non-gaming mobile app can breathe life into user interactions with the mobile app. It is a dynamic gamification feature that not only promotes friendly competition between users but is also a visual representation of user performance and progress in the app.
In a leaderboard system, users can compare themselves against their friends, as well as the global and national leaderboards to see where they stand in terms of points earned or levels achieved and encourages users to engage more with the app to improve their scores in the leaderboard. A leaderboard system also helps in the formation of a community by adding a social feature within the app.
