10 Ways to Create Effective Feedback for Tweens

When considering how to design gamification systems for Generation Y, you never know where you might find effective design principles. Look past standard business and marketing blogs and search through other media channels that are related to your target demographic. You  might find gems as we did when we stumbled upon iMOM’s article about complimenting tweens. Consider these utilizing some of these ten compliments to produce affective feedback in your gamification system:

1. Compliment their character.

We live in a world where integrity is neither consistently taught nor widely expected. When our children demonstrate honesty, kindness, trustworthiness and reliability, that’s a great time to take them aside and offer a sincere compliment.

Example – Compliment kids on making a difference when playing games for social good

2. Compliment obedience and respect.

It’s too easy to fall into patterns of disapproval, where the only time we notice is when kids do wrong. Rather than waiting for disobedience or disrespect (then coming down like a ton of bricks) try noticing obedience and respect: “I don’t always remember to tell you, but you are an awesome young man, and I appreciate the way you treat your mother”.

Example – Consider a surprise and delight tactic to simply reward tweens with points for not cheating

3. Compliment them for simply being part of the family.

“Every time I see you, I’m thankful that I’m your Mom.” Kids need to understand that they are valued simply because they are.

Example – Compliment tweens for pursuing group activities, emphasizing teamwork. Also for apps that mange chore, this compliment could be used as the first feedback the child receives: “10 points for being in a ‘your app here’ family! “

4. Compliment contributions to the family.

“Clearing the table (sweeping the porch… putting out the trash) makes a real difference. I appreciate your contribution.” Kids need to understand that what they do makes a difference, that the adults notice, and that pitching in is a good part of family life.

Example – Similar to 1, 3, and 4

5. Compliment the quality of their work.

“This is one clean porch, mister!” “You mowed the lawn right up to the edge. Way to go! I’m so glad you take this job so seriously, it shows.” Doing a job at a high standard is always worth noting.

Example – Reward completion but provide an even greater reward for perfection but be careful not to dismiss non-perfect results either.

6. Compliment the effort, even when the result is not the best.

“Your willingness to help makes me happy! Now we need to take a look at how you can get the trash to the curb without leaving a trail!” Compliments can be an important part of our role as teachers.

Example – “You were so close to beat your previous best!” or “You didn’t beat your high score but you made the top 3! Good job!”

7. Compliment when they achieve something new.

“Wow! That’s a huge leap forward for you there in math, pal.” “Awesome! I’m not at all surprised after you worked so hard.” A well-placed compliment can keep a positive ball rolling.

Example – Reward and compliment players for beating their personal best.

8. Compliment their sense of style even if we don’t exactly share their taste.

We don’t want to force our kids into being clones of us. “When it comes to putting together an outfit, you certainly have some flair!” “I can tell that you put a lot of thought into the way you look.” “I’ve never seen a table set quite like that before – you have an amazing imagination!” It’s not useful to limit compliments to the narrow range of our own taste.

Example: Reward users who customize their avatars and provide even greater rewards for more complex/custom designs and time spent customizing.

9. Compliment steps toward a long-term goal.

“Son, the improvement you’re showing is commendable. Thanks for trying.” Waiting for perfection before we’re willing to dish out a compliment is inefficient, may dampen enthusiasm, and does little to help the process of growth.

Example: For systems with long-term XP goals, give feedback for when they reach milestones to reaching that point: “You’re 50% there” or “Only 10 more to go!”

10. Compliment their friends.
But only do this when you can do it honestly! “Your friends are the greatest!” “That Jake is such a good kid.” “You know, it gives me a lot of confidence to know you use common sense in choosing your friends.”

Example: This is a little trickier but you can reward player activity with other friends on their friend list if they engage in a lot of activity together. Likely only effective as a one-time reward.

via iMOM