NEXT ITERATION - Spring 2025 - APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN! Read below >

As part of our 7.5-credit Vertically Integrated Project course, you’ll dive into the world of gamification, exploring how playful design elements—such as rewards, challenges, and leaderboards—can be used to encourage eco-friendly choices. Under the guidance of a PhD researcher (Mikaela O’Bryan), you and your team will have the chance to design, test, and analyze game-inspired elements in digital interfaces.

About the project

Gamification is a growing trend in sustainability apps, but how well does it really work to motivate lasting behavioral change? In this project, you’ll tackle this question head-on, bringing your own perspective to create a prototype that integrates various gamified features aimed at promoting sustainable decisions. Your team will have the freedom to experiment with different elements, collect user feedback, and analyze which features genuinely enhance user engagement.

How It Works

Week 1 – Introductory lectures – We’ll have two focused sessions covering key sustainability challenges and introducing students to design thinking.
Week 2 – Research and exploration: You’ll review gamification strategies currently used in digital tools for sustainability, assessing their impact on user engagement.
Week 3-5 – Prototyping: Working in teams, you’ll use your existing knowledge to design a prototype that incorporates a range of gamified elements, such as points, badges, and progress tracking. This is your chance to bring your creativity to the table and experiment with playful design.
Week 6-7 – User testing: Your team will then conduct usability tests, gathering feedback to understand how these elements impact motivation for sustainable choices.
Week 8 – Analysis and recommendations: Finally, you’ll analyze the results and present your findings, sharing insights into which features enhance user engagement (and which didn’t!) without detracting from the app’s purpose.

Who should apply

This project is ideal for students with experience or interest in digital design and prototyping, UX, or sustainability, especially those who are curious about how playful interfaces can foster positive behavior change. Your previous experience will help you design, test, and refine game- inspired features with an eye toward real-world impact.

Why Join?

Experiment with gamification: Apply your skills to create playful yet purpose-driven designs that motivate sustainable actions.
Collaborate and innovate: Work with a team to develop a unique prototype under the supervision of a PhD researcher, gaining hands-on experience in gamified design.
Build your portfolio: This project offers a unique addition to your portfolio, showcasing your ability to design for sustainability through engaging digital interfaces.
Earn 7.5 credits: Earn credits while exploring how digital interventions can make a difference in sustainability.

How to apply

If you’re ready to explore gamification in digital tools for sustainable decision-making, contact Mikaela at mikaela.obryan@mau.se for more details about pre-requisites and enrollment in the course.