Comments on: Duolingo review – how to apply Gamification smarter

By: HD

HD — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 18:39:53 +0000

Thanks fir the thoughtful reply Sarah. My reading continues!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 10:15:05 +0000

In reply to HD.

I think (but I may be mistaken), that your question arises out of the fact that ‘Gamification’ has always been a problematic term, with many different interpretations. So, for example, for me, what you describe above is more what I understand as ‘games-based learning’ rather than gamification (whereas many other people definitely understand ‘gamification’ as relating to the creation of games). This article also relates to a specific gamification framework – Octalysis. If you look into Octalysis, you will see that it definitely is more closely related to ‘persuasive psychology’ than games design (although Yu-Kai Chou is / has been obviously a keen game player), and many of the resulting designed experiences can definitely be seen as playful.

By: HD

HD — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 04:21:24 +0000

First time to this site, so excuse the noob questions. I read about gamification introducing elements of play to better engage participants in a constructive exercise to elicit an educational outcome. I’m having difficulty in seeing how this is present in Duolingo’s methodology. From what I read above, they were pursuing an iterative exercise in persuasive psychology and when they encountered problematic Black Hat conditions, they mitigated them with revenue generating relief mechanisms or drivers to spread the streak model. It’s undoubtably an effective and sophisticated methodology to optimise recruitment and retention, but not transparent nor seeking to produce an answer. It seems to be a social media business model. How does ludology apply here? Any insights?
Thanks

By: Martha Baum Carlton

Martha Baum Carlton — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 23:53:03 +0000

I have been using Duolingo for four years. I started using it because I wanted to keep my French and Spanish current. Duolingo is very good for that purpose. Having to use the languages every day keeps you from forgetting. I think the gamification is pretty silly, but, it must work for many people. I like the concept of the streak because the higher your streak number, the less likely you are not to practice. Of course, the fact that Duolingo is free is very appealing. Now, I am getting a lot of pressure to start Duolingo Plus which you have to pay for.

By: shaun

shaun — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 08:32:04 +0000

Very fascinating. I did use Duolingo once. I felt i scoring well but not really learning the lannguage. Gave it up. After reading this piece and know they have made changes I might try it again. Would be interesting o hear your thoughts on the language app called Memrise. I found i was learning better over there.

By: Terry Pearce

Terry Pearce — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 10:45:21 +0000

Incredibly thorough analysis, Dirk. I’m the owner of a 380-day streak on Duolingo, and I was reading the section on the over-justification effect and thinking, ah, but they learned a bit and adjusted. And in the very next section, you showed you were already there. And then beyond.

I just finished the Octalysis book and was really impressed. This is a helpful case study of its application and has reminded me of the power of using it. Thanks.

By: Sarah Le-Fevre

Sarah Le-Fevre — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 12:36:01 +0000

Great article, Dirk. When I read Actionable Gamification, it really changed my approach to designing for motivation my my learning programmes. The framework is so simple to apply and works so well with other complementary theories for, e.g. player types, that it is my go-to for engagement in all my design work now. You are so lucky to be part of it