Badges exist on a pretext of structured challenge and unexpected delight. Beyond the progress indicators of Foursquare, badges provide the user with a slot machine-style reward for completing a specified activity. The system’s power is derived from its ability to motivate users to attain predictable and unpredictable rewards. On the downside, the Foursquare badging system is so central to the app’s experience that it can quickly become tiresome once the initial enthusiasm wears off.
In Farmville, the badges (called ribbons) are designed to form a series of logical, ever-expanding challenges and achievements. They are stacked by activity, in order of increasing complexity. For example, you can earn one of four ribbons based on the number of friends in your network. A stacking system like Farmville’s makes it easy for a user to follow the defined challenge/achievement pattern, but often leaves that person with few moments of delight and surprise. Whereas Foursquare’s system is too freeform, Farmville’s may be too structured.
没有评论:
发表评论