
WHAT IS IT?
Octalysis is a framework developed by Yu Kai Chou, that sets out eight core drivers of human motivation. It could be considered a more modern and gamified-focussed version of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs from the 1940s.


HOW DOES IT WORK?
Octalysis takes a human-focused approach, rather than a task-based approach. It suggests that everything we do as learners or gamers is based on one of these core drives. The Octalysis tool provides a way of analysing existing gamified systems and planning new ones. Game mechanics are matched to drivers and given a score out of 10. The results are plotted onto an octagonal chart, indicating where the gamification might need to be improved.
CORE DRIVERS
How can we use Octalysis in Learning?
Understanding what drives learners to engage with, and enjoy, a course is useful but the main aim of learning must always be to provide useful content that leads to a meaningful goal, i.e. improved performance in some aspect of their work. Gamification techniques, such as: leaderboards, points, badges and against-the-clock activities can be employed to keep learners motivated, moving through the content and to keep them coming back. If you’re interested in intelligent gamification, chat to us.
