In this episode of the GX Podcast from the World Government Summit 2023, host Ian Khan sits down with renowned entrepreneur and innovator Vishal Gondal to explore the powerful intersection of gaming, behavior, and government services. With deep roots in the gaming industry and a track record of successful startups, Vishal shares how game design principles can drive meaningful behavior change—not just in entertainment, but in healthcare, public services, and beyond.

Vishal opens up about his personal transformation from an unhealthy lifestyle to running marathons—fueled not by data, but by motivation and behavioral design. He explains how gamification played a crucial role in this shift, and how the same psychology can be used to tackle global issues such as chronic disease, public trust in healthcare, and the effectiveness of government services. It's not just about access to information, he argues, but about incentivizing and motivating the right behaviors.

The conversation dives into how gaming delivers dopamine, serotonin, and other brain chemicals that form habits and drive engagement—tools often used by tech giants for monetization. Vishal proposes that these same tools can be redirected toward social good, like preventive healthcare or civic participation. Imagine if your insurance premiums dropped because of healthy behavior, or if using government services was as enjoyable as playing a mobile game.

Vishal also challenges governments to rethink how they engage citizens. Using real-world examples like Pokémon Go and public health campaigns, he advocates for a future where government services are not only effective but also fun and engaging. He introduces a framework for designing “fun” experiences, emphasizing the need for balance between task difficulty and user experience to sustain engagement.

In closing, Vishal offers a powerful message to policymakers: the superpowers of the future won't be determined by military might, but by the health and intelligence of their citizens. Investing in well-being and behavioral innovation isn't just a public service—it's a national strategy. Don't miss this visionary conversation packed with insights on gamification, public trust, digital health, and the path forward for governments in the digital age.

Watch all seasons of the GX podcast at www.GX.ae

About GX
The GX Podcast is produced with the support of the Emirates Government Service Excellence Program (EGSEP). Hosted by Futurist Ian Khan, the podcast and video series is the only such series covering the government experience domain.

About Ian Khan
Ian Khan, host of the GX Podcast & Video series, is a world-renowned technology futurist, author of Metaverse for Dummies, Technology Filmmaker, and creator of the Future Readiness Score. More at www.iankhan.com

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Ian Khan is a globally recognised emerging tech leadership expert. A practising Futurist, Creator of the Future Readiness Leaders Circle, Multiple times author including "Metaverse for Dummies", Filmmaker and Storyteller on PrimeVideo and Emirates Airlines, one of the worlds largest airlines with 10 Million passengers per year. Ian's ground breaking work has been featured on CNN, the BBC, Fox, Bloomberg, Wharton Daily, ArabNews, RT, CoinBase, Korea Times, Spanish Daily Expansión, Ian hosts the worlds largest Future Readiness leadership networks, bringing together high performance entrepreneurs and leaders on a common mission to build future ready and undisputable businesses. Khan's new book is titled "Undisruptable" and is scheduled to release in early 2024.

Visit Ian at www.IanKhan.com