From learning goal to an experience that sticks
A good learning experience doesn't happen by chance. We work from a fixed set of principles that ensure every story, choice and MicroGame traces back to a clear learning goal — and that the technology strengthens the experience rather than getting in the way.
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Use clear and achievable objectives
Every successful design starts with a solid goal. Decide what you want to achieve, make sure it's attainable and set a way to measure progress. We turn well-defined learning goals into challenges for maximum intrinsic motivation.
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Balance knowledge with skill and luck
Gameplay focuses on growing knowledge, and success comes from applying it. While skill and luck are part of gameplay, the player should strongly feel that progress is based on knowledge.
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Use mechanics drawn from reality
Knowledge grows when you recognise and understand the context. The closer we stay to reality, the higher the retention. Recognisable mechanics also make the gameplay more accessible and understandable.
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Focus on positive, human emotions
Intrinsic motivation only arises when the player is emotionally involved with the material. It's about the desire to learn and to finish and achieve — and that emotion doesn't even have to be tied directly to the learning goals.
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Make controls robust
A training should be robust and as bug-free as possible. Interaction is logical and the player can get started right away without getting lost. Robust also means moving through the object at the right pace.
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Give clear feedback, without distraction
Every action — right or wrong — is followed by immediate feedback, with no delay. The feedback is clear and to the point, so the player knows exactly what's expected now and in future.
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Always make the next step clear
The player always knows what's expected, how to make progress and what they can do to improve it. The object feels logical and naturally gives a sense of accomplishment throughout the training.
Take the first step with a GameStorm
In a single half-day we translate your learning challenge into a first concept — with these principles as the foundation. You'll see straight away how our methodology works in practice.