Gamification is rapidly changing how we engage users and solve problems – affecting big brands and small startups alike. Early approaches have produced largely stellar results (e.g. Foursquare, DevHub) and some real duds. Most designers know that badges alone are not enough to profoundly engage users, but what does it take to gamify like the pros? We will deconstruct and analyze successful and... [read more]

Gamification is rapidly changing how we engage users and solve problems – affecting big brands and small startups alike. Early approaches have produced largely stellar results (e.g. Foursquare, DevHub) and some real duds. Most designers know that badges alone are not enough to profoundly engage users, but what does it take to gamify like the pros? We will deconstruct and analyze successful and failed gamification efforts to identify patterns that create success in customer engagement and product design.


GABE ZICHERMANN is an author, highly rated public speaker and entrepreneur. He is the chair of the Gamification Summit and editor of the industry’s leading publication, The Gamification Blog. His most recent book, “Game-Based Marketing” (Wiley, 2010) has achieved critical and industry acclaim for its detailed look at innovators who blend the power of games with brand strategy. His next book, “Gamification by Design” (O’Reilly, 2011) looks at the technical and architectural considerations for designers in this burgeoning field. A resident of NYC, Gabe is a board member of StartOut.org , advisor to a number of startups and Facilitator for the Founder Institute in Manhattan. For more information about Gabe and Gamification, visit http://Gamification.Com