Momentum+/Gamification: Manipulation or Engagement?

Name: Momentum+/Gamification: Manipulation or Engagement?
Start: 2025-11-17T19:00:00-08:00
End: 2025-11-17T21:00:00-08:00
Location: San Jose

Schedule

Mon Nov 17 2025 at 07:00 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC-08:00

Location

San Jose | San Jose, CA

Gamification is not just about adding points & badges; it’s about creating an experience that engages users & drives meaningful interactions
About this Event

When gamification is integrated into a product, does it truly enhance user experience and drive genuine engagement, or does it subtly steer users towards outcomes that primarily benefit the business?

This thought-provoking -virtual- lecture, "Gamification: Manipulation or Engagement?", will critically examine the rapidly expanding role of gamification in UX design. We'll delve into the powerful psychological principles behind gamified experiences and explore the delicate balance between motivating users and potentially exploiting their cognitive biases.

Through case studies of both successful and ethically questionable implementations, you will gain a nuanced understanding of:

The Fundamentals of Gamification: What gamification is, its core mechanics (points, badges, leaderboards, progress bars, etc.), and the psychological triggers it leverages.
Engagement vs. Addiction: Distinguishing between design choices that foster meaningful user engagement and those that can lead to compulsive or even harmful behaviors.
Ethical UX Principles in Practice: How to apply ethical frameworks and user-centered design principles to ensure gamified experiences are transparent, empowering, and respectful of user autonomy.
Designing for Positive Impact: Strategies for using gamification to encourage positive habits, learning, productivity, and social connection, rather than just driving metrics.
Identifying Red Flags: Recognizing patterns and design techniques that verge on dark patterns or manipulation, and understanding their potential long-term consequences for users and brand trust.

This dynamic -virtual- lecture is essential for UX designers, product managers, marketers, and anyone involved in creating digital experiences who wants to harness the power of gamification responsibly and ethically. Join us to navigate the complex landscape of gamified design and learn how to truly design for engagement.