Gamification is not about points, badges and leaderboards. Not even about engaging game mechanics or extraordinary games. It’s about people. Ordinary people, trying their best. It’s about motivating ordinary people to do extraordinary things in life.

One of the common mistakes instructional designers make early in their gamification experience is focusing on game mechanics over user experience. You must know your audience in order to challenge them in the first place, motivate them in the short run, and inspire them in the long run.

Start with people and keep them top of mind!