5 Gamified Apps That Will Make You Rethink UX

Gamification has been used in a number of apps with great success. Adding game-like elements to an app can increase user engagement and keep them returning for more.

In this blog post, we will look at five mobile apps that successfully use gamification elements in their UX. We will discuss what makes these apps so successful and how you can apply the same gamification elements and concepts to your own app design!

1. Habitica

If we're going to talk about game mechanics within UX, we simply can't go past gamified productivity apps. Productivity apps have some of the strongest use cases of game elements to boost user engagement, such as the use of a progress bar and reward system.

While there are a number of examples we could pull from, we've opted to go with Habitica.

This app is a more overt example of video game elements being used to help users turn their real-life to-do list into a game, where you earn rewards for completing manageable tasks.

The more you use the app, the more rewards you can earn. The app also features a leaderboard, so you can see how well you are doing compared to other users.

Habitica is successful because it makes completing daily tasks fun and rewarding. It also gives users a sense of competition, which encourages them to keep using the app.

If you want to gamify your own app, consider adding elements like rewards and leaderboards. These elements will intrinsically encourage users to keep using your app and help them stay engaged.

2. Forest

This app encourages you to stay off your phone by planting a virtual tree that grows with time. If you use your phone while the tree is growing, it will die.

Forest is successful because it uses a simple concept to encourage users to stay off their phones. The app is also visually appealing, which makes it more enjoyable to use.

If you want to gamify your own app, consider using a similar concept. Find a way to encourage users to stay engaged with your app, and make sure the design is visually appealing.

3. Duolingo

This app makes learning new languages fun and addictive. You earn points as you progress through the lessons, and can compete with friends on a leaderboard.

Duolingo is successful because it makes learning new languages fun and engaging. The app also has a social element, which encourages users to keep using it.

If you want to gamify your own app, consider adding elements that make it fun and engaging. You could also add a social element to encourage users to keep coming back.

4. Headspace

This app helps you meditate and relax, with sessions that range from 10 minutes to 10 weeks. You earn points as you complete sessions and can unlock new content as you progress.

Headspace is successful because it makes meditation fun and rewarding. The app also has a sense of progression, encouraging users to keep using it.

5. MyFitnessPal

This app tracks your diet and exercise, helping you to stay on track. You can set goals and earn rewards as you reach them. The app also has a community element, where you can connect with other users.

MyFitnessPal is successful because it helps users stay motivated to reach their fitness goals. The app also has a social element, which encourages users to keep using it.

If you want to gamify your own app, consider adding elements that will help users stay on track. You could also add a social element to encourage users to keep coming back.

By gamifying your app, you can increase user engagement and make your app more enjoyable to use! Try incorporating some of these concepts into your own app design and see how they work for you.

Conclusion

Gamification is an effective way to keep users engaged with your app. By using game mechanics in your UX, you can increase user interaction and loyalty.

We’ve looked at five examples of apps that have successfully used gamification, so be sure to check them out for inspiration.

By now, you’ve probably realised that gamification can be a powerful tool for increasing user engagement. If you want to create a gaming experience for your own app, our game builder system, Gizmo, makes it easy to add games and rewards that will engage and entertain your users.