How to Gamify a Mobile Learning Application – A Modularization Approach

Abstract

Countless possibilities of usage make it more and more difficult to engage and motivate users in a regular use of mobile learning applications. However, users must be convinced to complete and explore every given option within the application. Considering this, gamification seems to be a promising approach to engage and motivate users. Gamification refers to the use of game-like elements in a non-entertainment-based context. Regarding previous research, most game design elements are randomly selected and combined. This is why we use modularization to systematically select and combine game design elements. Following the design science approach and the cognitive evaluation theory, we aim to define a new way of gamifying a mobile learning application. We, therefore, present an approach for the combination of game design elements. Contributions will be given by providing guidance in how to systematically select and combine game design elements.