The key elements of gamification in corporate training – The Delphi method

TLDR

Gamification of training has become a hot topic in corporate training and school education in recent years. The study aimed to identify and prioritize the key elements that make gamification effective in corporate training. Using a Delphi method, 14 experts evaluated and categorized 12 key elements into six design principles: integration with training goals, rapid feedback, team competition, clear rules, goal‑oriented challenges, and freedom to fail. The findings highlighted points and leaderboards as essential game mechanics, emphasized aligning educational objectives with gamification design, and stressed balancing game mechanics and principles, providing practical insights for training developers.

Abstract

Gamification of training, the application of gamification to modify training content and methodology, has become a hot topic in corporate training and school education in recent years. However, the relevant key elements have not been identified. Therefore, we aimed to engender and prioritize a list of key elements of effective gamification in the course of corporate training. Using the Delphi method, this study surveyed 14 corporate training gamification experts to evaluate the key elements of gamification – 12 were identified and categorized into six design principles: integration with training goals, rapid feedback, team competition, clear rules, goal-oriented challenges, and freedom to fail. Points and leaderboards were also named as the keys to effective game mechanics. The integration of educational objectives with gamification design, and the balancing between game mechanics and design principles were the conception for gamification in corporate training. This study also provided qualitative data, presenting the rich and differentiated views of corporate training experts regarding the key elements of gamification, to provide some practical tips for teachers in the development of training gamification.