A self-taught behavioral economist and former IDEO designer, Paharia’s technology relies on five tools:
1. Points - awarding points to users when they do certain things like post on a forum.
2. Levels - same principle as frequent flier elite status or karate’s different belts
3. Challenges - people like to be given a mission, something to go out and achieve
4. Leaderboard - rankings spur persistent engagement. Think of how many quarters you wasted on Space Invader or Asteroids just to see your initials in the Top Ten.
5. Virtual Goods - critical for enabling community members to express themselves creatively and indicative of status. Avatar envy comes to mind…
