Gamification is being utilized as productivity tools in Nokia, AutoDesk, and Microsoft
Whether it is to design a new system, troubleshoot bugs or implement new features, developers are the chief problem solvers in any enterprise. D Developers and programmers are software engineers who are often tasked with finding solutions for abstract problems in addition to utilizing new, unfamiliar technology. Recent initiatives by prominent tech companies such as Nokia, AutoDesk and Microsoft shows that gamification may have a significant role in facilitating a developer’s growth and productivity.
Developers are constantly learning new tools and processes while accumulating real world experiences to be able to resolve problems quickly and elegantly. The down side is that developers require time to explore and learn the tools available to them by which workplaces tend to discourage as work deadlines are prioritized over experimentation. However, gamification systems incorporated as part of the developer’s familiarization period could save time and enable effective learning. Such is the case with Autodesk’s UndiscoveredTerritory. The software enables 3dsMax 2013 trial users to experience the newest features of their software by providing ‘missions’ for them to accomplish. With a clear learning path, users could then quickly pick up on familiarizing with the latest system.
Besides that, gamification could be utilized as a recognition system for the developers work. Despite the efforts and creativity of the developer in problem solving, there is rarely a place of recognition for their achievements. Thus, the implementation of game mechanics such as an achievement systems and leaderboards would highlight the developer’s progress and accomplishments. For Microsoft’s Visual Studio Achievements, developers can unlock badges and compete against one another based on the code they write, its level of sophistication, and the Visual Studio capabilities they use to do so. It not only displays the achievements accomplished among developers, the leaderboard system spur friendly competition and growth among developers. This is crucial as one of the best ways for developers to improve themselves is to learn from others and see how their approach differ in problem solving.
Last but not least, developers would be able to monitor their own progress when gamification systems involving points and level system are employed. When scoring systems are attached to a developer’s progress, it enables a tangible manner to observe both their own growth as well as their fellow team mates. In turn, upper management could then justify rewarding their best developers with quantifiable data on hand. An example would be Nokia’s DVLUP program which lets developers earn experience points and level up as they build Window’s Phone apps and completing challenges. They could then use their points to redeem rewards available to them such as a Lumia 920 or gift cards. On that end note, while extrinsic rewards can be a powerful motivator for developers, it should be noted that it has its shortcomings as well and should not be overused.
These recent developments illustrates that gamification can be compliment in boosting developers and the industry. Gamification not only accelerates the learning process of the tools used by developers, it acts as a archival system in recognizing their achievements and progress. Furthermore, gamification’s social nature indirectly encourages developers to socialize and collaborate amongst themselves in their field work. For decision makers, gamification systems could potentially yield rich unforeseen data patterns that would benefit them in their decision making process. Thus, for aspiring enterprises who wish to use gamification system for such purposes, it is imperative to customize their systems to make it easier and more enjoyable for developers to do what they do best, solving problems.
Image source via Phillie Casablanca
