Degree Name
Master of Science
Graduate Program
Mass Communication and Media Arts
Advisor
Spahr, Robert
Abstract
User retention and consistent engagement can be difficult with many applications vying for our limited time and attention. Finding innovative ways to draw in new users while appealing to current users also causes many developmental and marketing hurdles. Incorporating games, especially for those who have grown up with a controller in their hands, can be an incentive to gamify activities that award users just for participating. These processes can incentivize and reinforce participatory habits to better the users' lives or can also be a detriment with unforeseen effects.
This research aims to analyze and assess game-based systems used to change behavior, motivate, reinforce positive change, and educate users. These methods will be applied to a prototype application to determine the most effective layout, user experience, applicable rewards, and gaming formats to encourage repeat usage and engagement.