Gamification occurs when game mechanics are applied to non-game contexts (like innovation management!) This strategy originates from the advertising and entertainment scenes but has since proven effective across a broad range of industries. Gamification incentivizes engagement not only amongst employees but in the consumer base too. Primarily, three concepts make up the gamified approach, which are:
Despite the contrast in business models from industry to industry, many open innovation challenges are shared. Things like low employee engagement, confusing business processes, and lack of organization can be detrimental to an innovation manager's efforts. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but gamification gets pretty close. Gamification fosters inclusion by lowering the barrier of participation. It is a fun and simplistic way of motivating people to join and reduce stress in the workplace. So, by combining the elements below, you can address the stumbling blocks in your innovation business processes in one fell swoop.
As mentioned above, gamification can help strengthen your company's sense of community. Concepts like community building are often easier said than done, so we'll save the spiel and give you two examples instead. The first example will showcase the effects of innovative gamification amongst clientele, while the second will focus on employee engagement.
Lego |
The Lego Ideas website allows "fan designers" to pitch their ideas for new lego sets. The site hosts contests with exclusive prizes, activities to stimulate creativity, and a platform to share commentary and show support. Lego posts a new challenge for fans to submit creative ideas to each week. If an idea is selected and moved to production, the designer receives a percentage of net sales. This low-risk, high-reward model is the gold standard of gamification in innovation. |
rready |
Not to toot our own horn or anything, but we've got innovation down to a science. Don't believe us? Just ask our peer community of KICKBOX users. The rready KICKBOX is an innovation management solution that combines coaching, software, and gamified methodology to help companies stimulate intrapreneurship. Stimulating collaboration within a company is great! But we wanted more. So, we built a community out of our KICKBOX users where they can share ideas, receive coaching, and even launch cross-corporate collaboration projects. Validation and effective communication are two key components that make KICKBOX successful within a company. Extending those values to the entire community of KICKBOX users has created a support system where innovation thrives. |
Setting up a reward system that aligns business goals with personal goals is fantastic for engagement, but it doesn't end there. As any experienced innovation manager knows, the innovation pipeline can be pretty erratic. Therefore, business process transparency and the right platform to support your efforts are essential. Nonetheless, motivated participation can seem like an uphill battle.
Incentivizing progress not only facilitates the warm fuzzy feelings of achievement, but it helps solidify the understanding employees have of the innovation timeline. It's always easier not to do something than it is to do it. Accordingly, those in leadership roles should prioritize making participation as gratifying and straightforward as possible.
Can we be open with you for a moment, reader? Cultural shifts are tricky. Of all the open innovation challenges, culture can be the most stubborn area to improve upon. These difficulties can stem from the fact that efforts to align with employee values must be genuine.
Unfortunately, this means that gestures like ordering lunch or giving away branded water bottles won't cut it. Gamification appeals to the human emotions that games invoke—for example, the confidence that achievements provide or the sense of belonging that a common goal can inspire. This approach sets a foundation for the authentic cultural shifts required to succeed.
At this point, you might be wondering," what's the catch?" There doesn't have to be one if you play your cards right. Many of the potential issues with gamification are a result of design flaws. Below, we've outlined a couple of things to avoid when approaching open innovation challenges with gamification
DO: |
Create a points system that encourages team members to interact with one another’s ideas on your innovation platform. |
DON’T: |
Implement an activity that requires employees to devote an excessive amount of time to it (think luck-based games that require repetitive actions like spinning a prize wheel.) |