There has been an influx of gamified fitness-based apps in the last year, all focused on helping users to lose weight, be healthier, live happier. Fleetly is a Canadian site that claims to make fitness “simple, friendly and fun.” Similar to sites like DailyBurn and RunKeeper, Fleetly uses social competition to motivate users and build…
Though many naysayers continue to shrug off the serious impact of gaming in our culture, there’s no longer any room for doubt in how it is effecting our economy. A recent article by Leena Rao for TechCrunch highlights a study by the University of Maryland of what is being referred to as the “Facebook App Economy” –…
Chronic back pain is a issue that affects the vast majority of Americans, whether your job is physically intensive or working at a desk. In fact, if you’re reading this on your computer right now, you might want to check your posture and how it’s contributing to your discomfort. Slouching not only causes back pain…
Coca-Cola recently announced a multi-media, fully interactive, campaign. Coke Freestyle lets you select your own unique flavor combinations from all of their brands (which I guarantee you is more than you think) and enjoy Coke in a whole new way. First off there is the Freestyle Facebook app, which simulates a vending machine that lets you pick…
Gamification of the enterprise focuses on how autonomy and fun can lead to more productive work. An article from last week’s Wall Street Journal provides support for this idea with insight into the benefits of web surfing in the office. The new study on the “Impact of Cyberloafing on Psychological Engagement,” by Don J.Q. Chen and…
They say the average smoker will attempt to quit 10 times or so before they finally kick the habit. There’s nicotine patches, gum, electronic cigarettes and tons of other tools out there to help, yet it’s so hard to stick with a plan. Obviously addiction to smoking isn’t just a physical problem, but emotional as…
In only a short time, SCVNGR’s Level Up has already started giving Groupon a run for its money. As opposed to the discounting giant, where customers will often be convinced to patronize a business once (and often only once), Level Up functions on the concept that 3 uses or visits is all it takes to…
There’s a new site online that is causing a lot of people to tune in and listen. Turntable.fm seems to be the next revolution in online music. Functioning as a combo chart room and internet radio station, this invite-only community is a fun and addictive way to share and discover new sounds.
Muggles take notice – JK Rowling has found another way to extend the Harry Potter franchise with an new interactive, gamified site: Pottermore. The mysterious new website promises to be “an online experience where you can explore the stories like never before”. The landing page is so far very sparse, with only an introductory video from…
After their highly popular gamified Les Paul landing page last Thursday, Google has created even more play time. With science! The longest lunar eclipse in a decade began earlier today (still in progress) and though it was wasn’t visible to those of us in North America, now everyone can enjoy the sights. Visitors can witness…
You may not remember Plixi, the former media hosting/sharing site for Twitter, Facebook and other social networks, but you might recognize it under it’s new identity: Lockerz. In fact, you may already be a member. This high school themed social networking and e-commerce community has been having a huge swarm of participation recently – possibly…
A few weeks back we reported on the new Zappos VIP features that added a layer of gamification to the exclusive shopping tier of the popular online store. Excitement by customers has increased when Zappos launched the new “Outfit Builder” (beta) late last month. This paperdoll-esque interface allows you to browse the selection, pick out items…
From the initial email you receive when you first sign up for RunKeeper, an exercise tracking and companion site, you get the feeling of a strong community. “You’re not alone on the road to reaching your goals- the RunKeeper community is here to support you along the way!”, says the message from CEO Jason Jacobs….
“There an estimated one billion homeless people in the world”, states the opening of the film Kicking It, a 2008 documentary by Susan Koch and Jeff Werner. The film documents the 4th Annual Homeless World Cup, massive football (soccer) event that takes place in Cape Town, South Africa. Teams from all over the globe are…
It’s not a secret, and it’s not new – kids hate school. Of course as adults it’s our job to tout the importance of education and how it can build your future, but we can all remember how much we hated school when we were kids. Students often find school, tedious and boring and the…
