Gamification in Manufacturing Work: Can It Help to Increase Flow and Performance?

International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, vol. 42, pp. 6701–6715

Abstract

Gamification is a promising way to enhance performance and motivation at work. Flow experiences play a significant role in gamification design, while also being a possible gamification outcome and a predictor of performance. In a study with 89 participants, we compared gamified and non-gamified assembly tasks, examining flow and performance. While performance did not differ between groups, it improved over time. The gamified group reported more frequent flow experiences. Flow intensity increased over five assembly runs, but did not differ between groups. A positive repeated measures correlation was found between flow intensity and performance. The results suggest that gamified work can enhance flow, which in turn can be associated with improved performance. However, flow also occurs in non-gamified settings, indicating that other mechanisms may contribute. Possible explanations include playful work design and training effects in learning the assembly routine. Future research should consider personalization and adaptive tailoring of gamification.

Authors 4

1. Leonie Kloep corresponding

   University of Lübeck

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck

2. Jessica Ulmer Aachen Institute for applied Automation and Mechatronics

   FH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Applied Automation and Mechatronics, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences

3. Jörg F. Wollert Aachen Institute for applied Automation and Mechatronics

   FH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Applied Automation and Mechatronics, FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences

4. Corinna Peifer

   University of Lübeck

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck