An addictive mobile word competition game. Online education platforms. These subjects might not seem related, but by playing one, we can learn to empower the other. Join us as we discuss the bizarre choices of Words with Friends 2 and how to refine them to increase engagement in the world of online learning.

Topics covered: When gamification goes wrong, the huge design implications of the difference between Scrabble and Words with Friends 2, why some achievements feel meaningless, the major problem with online learning, how Desired Actions lead to features, the difference between distracting/engaging features, how to customize learning approaches to different users, how to bring a feeling of connection to solo learning, when to employ scarcity to motivate users, the difference between the binge vs. appointment model of content.

Shout out to Albertine for the link to research on doodling.

Check out Bitdegree, a gamified online learning platform: https://www.bitdegree.org/

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