“Gamification: Understand games to boost User Motivation” is a class that explores how games are imagined, structured, and brought to life. Whether you’re interested in video games, tabletop games, mobile apps, or other interactive experiences, this class breaks down what makes games engaging, meaningful, and fun. No prior design or development experience is required.
The course begins by examining the core building blocks of games: mechanics, dynamics, and player experience. Students learn how rules shape behaviour, how systems interact over time, and how player choices create emergent outcomes. Through analysis of actual game examples, we explore why some designs feel compelling while others fall flat.
A major focus of the class is user-centred design. Students will learn to think from the user’s perspective, considering motivation, challenge, feedback, accessibility, and emotional impact. Topics such as flow, interaction management, and motivation are introduced to help designers create experiences that are both engaging and approachable.
