Random Rewards: Recent Episodes
Sabrina Bruehwiler
Random Rewards hosted by Octalysis Masters Chris Tomasso and Sabrina Bruehwiler, the podcast where we discuss how to make business more fun with Gamification.
A 100+ year old game that people still play. A pillar of our crumbling economic system. These subjects might not seem related, but by playing one we can learn to bolster the other. Join as we discuss how to get better (or cheat) at Pinball and why banks should get a human-focused overhaul.
Topics covered: Sabrina’s home pinball set, strategy vs. randomness, the effect of no Onboarding process in Pinball, arcade culture in the U.S. vs Japan, Core Drives, vs. Anti-Core Drives, the first step to take to improve any experience, how to differentiate users, our experience with online banking, the difference between function-focused design and human-focused design, why incentives aren’t a good long term strategy, a vision for good banking UX, can you actually feel good using a banking app, how to shift motivation from negative to positive, how a better experience makes customers less price-sensitive, blending UX on an app and in person, how to create more feedback, the importance of teaching financial literacy, how to motivate people to pay off debt, why systems beat willpower, what’s on the horizon for the financial systems (especially after the pandemic)
Follow us on our Socials on:
Random Rewards Twitter: @randomreward
Chris’ Twitter: @chris_tomasso
Sabrina’s Twitter: @useradventure
Octalysis Group Website: octalysisgroup.com
Octalysis Explorers Facebook: facebook.com/groups/octalysis/
Email: sabrina@octalysisgroup.com / chris@octalysisgroup.com
A classic game about owning properties. A disruptive company facing it’s own disruption. These subjects might not seem related, but by playing one, we can learn to empower the other. Join us as we discuss why we have a love/hate relationship with Monopoly, and why the experience economy is currently up for grabs (and how to position yourself to own it)
Topics covered: The least/most expensive places in Swiss Monopoly, the downside of overemphasizing Black Hat extrinsic motivation, how creating a feeling of urgency improves strategy, why Monopoly is rated as one of the worst games ever, how to tweak the game to and improve user experience, the competitive advantage and current challenges of Airbnb, how NOT to take inspiration from games, the different ways people utilize Airbnb, the strategic addition of experiences to places to stay, the difficulty of making the experience economy virtual, the motivations that create memories, the limitations of skill-focused virtual events, how to prioritize community over economy, how to generate revenue from an intrinsically motivated business model, how to thrive with virtual experiences and prepare for the future when people will travel again.
Follow us on our Socials on:
Random Rewards Twitter: @randomreward
Chris’ Twitter: @chris_tomasso
Sabrina’s Twitter: @useradventure
Octalysis Group Website: octalysisgroup.com
Octalysis Explorers Facebook: facebook.com/groups/octalysis/
Email: sabrina@octalysisgroup.com / chris@octalysisgroup.com
A long running beloved RPG series. A streaming giant. These subjects might not seem related, but by playing one, we can learn to empower the other. Join us as we discuss the uncanny experience of juxtaposing cup o noodles with a fantasy world, and dive into the ups and downs of interactive storytelling.
Topics covered: Why role playing games have epic narratives, why fantasy games are so compelling, how Final Fantasy empowers strategy and exploration, why leveling is so important in a game with mostly intrinsic motivation, how increased money and technology has shifted the motivation of large game companies, how Netflix created a feeling of ownership before streaming, defining the motivations of different user types, the difference between consuming and curating, how technology affects content, the evolution of Netflix technology, the illusion of choice in interactive storytelling, why making the wrong choice can increase engagement, the limitations of input/output channels in streaming interfaces, how to solve the narrative gamification innovation problem, how to tie real-world impact to Desired Actions, and the merging of passive and interactive content.
Chris’ article on Bandersnatch: https://octalysisgroup.com/interactive-netflix-gamification-is-here-but-will-it-get-people-hooked/
Follow us on our Socials on:
Random Rewards Twitter: @randomreward
Chris’ Twitter: @chris_tomasso
Sabrina’s Twitter: @useradventure
Octalysis Group Website: octalysisgroup.com
Octalysis Explorers Facebook: facebook.com/groups/octalysis/
Email: sabrina@octalysisgroup.com / chris@octalysisgroup.com
THE classic side scroller. Remote team communication tools like Slack. These subjects might not seem related, but by playing one, we can learn to empower the other. Join us as we discuss the world of distracting red dots and how to rebuild these tools via lessons from behavioral science to improve productivity.
Topics covered: How a short game can have such longevity, secrets in a pre-internet era, how nintendo creates the feeling of fun from a behavioral science perspective, how playing it makes you feel smart without “telling you”, why it’s so hard to measure happiness, the impacts of prioritizing happiness or productivity, do team communication platforms really want their users to be productive, the double edged sword of easy communication and notifications, how NOT to make platforms fun, how to integrate tools to increase focus, defining different types of communication, integrated platforms vs those focused on just one feature, and improving the UX of video communications, and why there will only be one Team Communication platform to rule them all.
More about the REMOTE cultural framework https://octalysisgroup.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-remote-work-series-1-the-remote-framework/
A review of Zoom
https://octalysisgroup.com/how-to-use-zoom-to-implement-the-remote-work-cultural-framework-part-1/
Follow us on our Socials on:
Random Rewards Twitter: @randomreward
Chris’ Twitter: @chris_tomasso
Sabrina’s Twitter: @useradventure
Octalysis Group Website: octalysisgroup.com
Octalysis Explorers Facebook: facebook.com/groups/octalysis/
Email: sabrina@octalysisgroup.com / chris@octalysisgroup.com
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/
Follow us on our Socials on:
Random Rewards Twitter: @randomreward
Chris’ Twitter: @chris_tomasso
Sabrina’s Twitter: @useradventure
Octalysis Group Website: octalysisgroup.com
Octalysis Explorers Facebook: facebook.com/groups/octalysis/
Email: sabrina@octalysisgroup.com / chris@octalysisgroup.com
A game of cute animals doing hard labor that’s taken the post-Covid-19 world by storm. An industry that’s essential to living a good life. These subjects might not seem related, but by playing one, we can learn to empower the other. Join us as we discuss the bizarre experience of playing Animal Crossing and how it holds the keys to solve one of the most fiendishly difficult societal/business problems of the modern age: Healthcare.
Topics covered: Why Animal Crossing is so divisive, why investment is such a powerful feeling to create in any experience, how this game differs from other life simulation game, the recipes and pitfalls of creating an addictive app, the impact of changing the priorities of your business metrics, the correct methodology to employ gamification, how to determine which user types to serve, the danger of misaligned incentives, what are whale user types and how they can negatively impact a system, when NOT to take inspiration from games, the methodology to design a highly complex system, when Black-Hat design is effective, when appealing to meaning and purpose is not enough to motivate users, and balancing a virtual economy with real world actions.
Follow us on our Socials on:
Random Rewards Twitter: @randomreward
Chris’ Twitter: @chris_tomasso
Sabrina’s Twitter: @useradventure
Octalysis Group Website: octalysisgroup.com
Octalysis Explorers Facebook: facebook.com/groups/octalysis/
Email: sabrina@octalysisgroup.com / chris@octalysisgroup.com
A stress-filled board game that’s too real. An industry whose revenues are plunging. These subjects might not seem related, but by playing one, we can learn to empower the other. Join us as we discuss the genius of Pandemics game mechanics and how to revolutionize the emotional experience of flying in an airplane .
Topics covered: How tension improves cooperation, our user experiences with flying, the golden opportunity for the airline industry, the difference between a Core Drive and an Anti-Core drive, how to define different users, the problem with most loyalty programs, differentiating your business in a crowded marketplace, the ingredients to create an unforgettable experience, how to connect Core Drives to magnify motivation, how to design around existing motivation, how to bring a feeling of connection to a group of strangers, facilitating intrinsic desires through careful design.
Follow us on our Socials on:
Random Rewards Twitter: @randomreward
Chris’ Twitter: @chris_tomasso
Sabrina’s Twitter: @useradventure
Octalysis Group Website: octalysisgroup.com
Octalysis Explorers Facebook: facebook.com/groups/octalysis/
Email: sabrina@octalysisgroup.com / chris@octalysisgroup.com
A tension filled team game. Culture building at a large theme park. These subjects might not seem related, but by playing one, we can empower the other. Listen as we discuss the tension filled group quest that is Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, and what lessons we can take from it to improve our day to day workplaces.
Topics covered: Why listening is essential to problem solving, how to discover motivations triggered by games, what Black-hat design is and how it impacts the experience, why Keep Talking and No one Explodes benefits from being an online remote team game, how one type of motivation can magnify the feeling of another, different types of gamification, how to apply feelings of urgency to a workplace without it backfiring, how to encourage empathy between departments or between tiers of a corporate hierarchy, how to facilitate both cooperation and competition, the perils of using extrinsic rewards and how to balance this with intrinsic desires.
Follow us on our Socials on:
Random Rewards Twitter: @randomreward
Chris’ Twitter: @chris_tomasso
Sabrina’s Twitter: @useradventure
Octalysis Group Website: octalysisgroup.com
Octalysis Explorers Facebook: facebook.com/groups/octalysis/
Email: sabrina@octalysisgroup.com / chris@octalysisgroup.com
A classic card game. Auto part manufacturing. These subjects might not seem related, but by playing one, we can empower the other. Listen as we discuss the elegant game design of UNO and how it’s simplicity can supercharge an app experience as complex as 3D printing.
Topics covered: Why UNO had no need for Onboarding and is endlessly replayable, how it allows people to add/modify rules, how a card game can have feedback mechanics, when does the feeling of unpredictability motivate and when does it demotivate, how to keep pressure on users while still giving them the hope for success, how to define different types of users, the importance of defining Desired Actions, why there are no out-of-the-box gamification solutions, what is a booster and why/how would you use it in an app, how to strategically use scarcity to motivate people to be more creative, how to drive new user sign ups with different wants/needs, how to align user types with asymmetric experiences, human-focused design in service industries.
Follow us on our Socials on:
Random Rewards Twitter: @randomreward
Chris’ Twitter: @chris_tomasso
Sabrina’s Twitter: @useradventure
Octalysis Group Website: octalysisgroup.com
Octalysis Explorers Facebook: facebook.com/groups/octalysis/
Email: sabrina@octalysisgroup.com / chris@octalysisgroup.com
A bold/innovative reimagining of a beloved Nintendo property. An industry that markets music. These subjects might not seem related, but by playing one, we can empower the other. Listen as we discuss the reasons why Breath of the Wild breaks the mold and how, by uncovering its secrets, we can level up entertainment platforms.
Topics covered: When do games give too much freedom, which Core Drives are optimum for an experience, how much structure is optimum for creativity, how to deliberately design to pique a user’s curiosity, why CDs are still popular in South Korea, how to determine Desired Actions that drive ROI, how to avoid marketing-centric puzzles that users solve too quickly, the pros and cons of building a platform for music videos vs. hosting them, how to combine online and offline events, and how does an octagon sound.
Videos referenced
Breath of the Wild's Exploration Cycle ~ Design Doc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9LB68gnq2M
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - An Open World Adventure | Game Maker's Toolkit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmIgjAM0uh0
Follow us on our Socials on:
Random Rewards Twitter: @randomreward
Chris’ Twitter: @chris_tomasso
Sabrina’s Twitter: @useradventure
Octalysis Group Website: octalysisgroup.com
Octalysis Explorers Facebook: facebook.com/groups/octalysis/
Email: sabrina@octalysisgroup.com / chris@octalysisgroup.com
A timeless and deceptively simple video game and a global communication platform. These subjects might not seem related, but by playing one, we can empower the other. Listen as we discuss the reasons why Tetris might be the most elegant game design ever and how emojis are just the beginning to making online chat more engaging.
Topics covered: Why Tetris is endlessly replayable, how users “level up” without levels, the effect of the exponential difficulty curve, how Tetris hooks users despite having no onboarding phase, the difference between a function-focused app and a human-focused app, why you can’t copy and paste game mechanics to make an app fun, how to prioritize the right business metrics, the power of the network effect, why you don’t want an app to immediately prompt a user to invite their friends and what to do instead, the importance of creating a wow moment in your experience, how to tell the difference between features that are effective and those that just seem cool.
Follow us on our Socials on:
Random Rewards Twitter: @randomreward
Chris’ Twitter: @chris_tomasso
Sabrina’s Twitter: @useradventure
Octalysis Group Website: octalysisgroup.com
Octalysis Explorers Facebook: facebook.com/groups/octalysis/
Email: sabrina@octalysisgroup.com / chris@octalysisgroup.com
A board game of deceit and empowering local tourism. These subjects might not seem related, but by playing one, we can learn valuable lessons about the other. Listen as we discuss the hidden reasons this game genre is widely known even among non gamers, and how you can apply this learning to drastically improve a tourism-based business.
Topics covered: What Secret Hitler has in common with Werewolf, what kind of motivations makes people want to replay games, how a board game can have rising tension and an emotional arc, what your top business metric tells you about your product, how to apply core drives to a specific business case, why you need to know Desired Actions before you can improve your business, how to motivate people to come back to your app monthly, how to determine what powers to give your users, what kind of features to have in the Endgame Phase of an app, how do you decide what type of rewards your business should give, what to do with cheaters, etc.
Follow us on our Socials on:
Random Rewards Twitter: @randomreward
Chris’ Twitter: @chris_tomasso
Sabrina’s Twitter: @useradventure
Octalysis Group Website: octalysisgroup.com
Octalysis Explorers Facebook: facebook.com/groups/octalysis/
Email: sabrina@octalysisgroup.com / chris@octalysisgroup.com
One of the most innovative puzzle games ever made and selling shoes. They might not seem related, but playing one can empower the other. Listen as we discuss the hidden reasons Chris spent hours playing as a virtual rabbit moving blocks across a screen and how these reasons can apply to designing an e-commerce app.
Topics covered: Deconstructing game rules, creating moments of epiphany, why solving puzzles is addictive, how NOT to gamify an e-commerce app, why a designer would want to motivate people with a rolling reward, how to motivate users to interact with an app every day even if they aren’t buying every day, why it’s harder to facilitate intrinsic motivation (but you totally should), how to create highly scarce rewards without demotivating users, and how to create an army of amatuer shoe designers.
Follow us on our Socials on:
Random Rewards Twitter: @randomreward
Chris’ Twitter: @chris_tomasso
Sabrina’s Twitter: @useradventure
Octalysis Group Website: octalysisgroup.com
Octalysis Explorers Facebook: facebook.com/groups/octalysis/
The Sims and driving apps. They might not seem related, but playing one can empower the other. Listen as we discuss the hidden reasons we can’t stop playing the Sims and how they can apply to non-game context of a virtual driving app.
Topics covered: Your ideal virtual self vs. the worst case scenario, consistent and random rules, how scarcity powers addictive behavior, the impact of connecting your real life to your virtual life, how to gamify driving while being safe, using avatars to promote feelings of creativity and ownership, motivating different types of drivers, how to employ rewards and social gifting to drive more engagement.
Follow us on our Socials on:
Random Rewards Twitter: @randomreward
Chris’ Twitter: @chris_tomasso
Sabrina’s Twitter: @useradventure
Octalysis Group Website: octalysisgroup.com
Octalysis Explorers Facebook: facebook.com/groups/octalysis/
Welcome to our brand new podcast RANDOM REWARDS, the podcast where we discuss how to make business more fun with Gamification hosted by Octalysis Masters Chris Tomasso and Sabrina Bruehwiler.