A Matrix for Gamifying Development Workshops

This paper presents an initial matrix for discussing the parameters of gami-fying development workshops. The purpose of the matrix is to visualize the parameters involved in deciding the level of gamification for a workshop setting. The matrix represents a tool for identifying a balance in implement-ing game mechanics, one that can serve to support and facilitate innovative processes rather than purely creating and playing a game for its own sake. The matrix is based on the theoretical notion of gamification’s potential to facilitate “third space communication” and is intended to transform this space into a “magic circle” of gameplay for innovative thinking. Thus, the question is asked: Which parameters are essential in balancing the level of gamification, and how can these parameters be transformed into a matrix for defining/creating gamified innovative processes? In the realm of facilitating innovative development processes through gameplay, the matrix consists of three parameters: game vs gamification, facilitated vs non-facilitated gameplay, and innovation vs mapping. The use and application of the gami-fication matrix is exemplified through four game workshop games.