A novel gamification-based architecture for web environments

Abstract

Nowadays, the concept of gamification is successfully applied to a variety of different contexts. However, a scarce number of studies have addressed this topic in web-based fields. In this paper, our aim is to promote gamification and its capabilities and also provide an overall architecture for the web environments. First of all, we introduce the "gamification" concept and then we clarify its differences with the "game" concept. Moreover, we mention related activities in this field, and detail important elements of gamification. Finally, we present a novel architecture for web-based gamification environments; and address its applications and challenges. As a case study, we review gamification of electronic tests and discuss on "how gamification can change a stressful exam environment to a joyful and yet instructive one?".

A Gamification Engine Architecture for Enhancing Behavioral Change Support Systems

“…Usually those KPIs are related to metrics like performance, efficiency, progress and quality. Kardan and Arani [20] presented an architecture for web-based gamification environments and highlighted the collaboration features of those environments. In such systems, social interactions and proofs of efficient collaboration between users were used to keep the game alive.…”

On Gamifying an Existing Software System: Method, Conceptual Model and Lessons Learned

“…The first approach is the so-called gamification from scratch, which is widely supported by previous studies (29,34,40,50). These studies provide practical support to the gamification process (40), architectural design (29,34), and other activities (50). The second approach involves the gamification of an existing system.…”

“…We have found some studies (29,34,40,50) that introduce methods for guiding software gamification, i.e., the incorporation of game elements and rules into a software system. Unfortunately, none of these methods aimed to target the particularities of gamifying existing systems.…”

“…In fact, there was not method aimed to systematically guide development teams along the incorporation of game elements and rules into an existing system. Previous studies propose a few methods aimed to guide the requirements elicitation, user profiling, design, and implementation of gamified systems from scratch (29,34,40,50). Unfortunately, they provide little insights about the key activities required to gamify existing systems.…”

“…Gamification of Existing Systems. Previous studies (29,34,40) discuss that certain software development activities become particularly challenging along the gamification from scratch. Unfortunately, little is known about the development activities that become challenging when developers are gamifying existing systems.…”