Gamification Implementation Guide

Public Repositories (Open Source)

What to expect after devActivity app installation?

1. Account created, devActivity processes repository metadata for contributions.

2. Based on contributions each contributor is rewarded with XP.

3. Based on XP appropriate Level is assigned.

4. 20+ Challenges available to complete:

   • One-time

   • Monthly

   • Accumulative

5. Public Dashboard with Leaderboard and other widgets available.

6. Org Contributors get email invitations to access devActivity. Who is an Org Contributor?

7. Pull Requests will be commented on by devActivity bot with the following:

   • Summary comment after merge

   • Completed challenges comment

8. Pull Request comments include the Sign Up link to invite participated External Contributor to track progress with devActivity. Who is a External Contributor?

After signing up Org Contributors get:

1. Organization Dashboard.

2. Detailed Contributions, Work Quality (Cycle Time and more), Contributors, and Discussions reports.

3. Alerts, Active Challenges, Leaderboard, and more.

After signing up External Contributors get:

1. Personal Dashboard to track own progress.

2. Monthly Report.

3. Personal Embeddables.

What to do to make even more impact?

Community Communication

1. Community Announcement:

   • Discussions – sample message

   • Group Chat messages (Slack, Discord, etc) – sample message

2. Communicate valuable inactive contributors:

   • Direct contact (email, chat) – sample message

   • Tag under their PR, issues – sample message

3. Useful Resources:

   • Contribution Score and XP

   • XP to Levels Table

   • Challenges Reward Types

4. Engage Feedback and Open Discussion.

README file improvements

1. Contributing section update (or create) – sample message. Add a short message about Gamification and link to CONTRIBUTING.md

2. Add a kind of shield at the top to attract – sample message

3. Embed widgets:

   • Top Contributors
   • Repo Stats
   • Cycle Time

CONTRIBUTING file improvements

1. Add shield – sample message

2. Add Gamification section – sample message

How to keep the community engaged with gamification?

1. Track the trend of the contribution with Contributors report.

2. Configure Alerts targets suitable for your project and process. Recommended to consider:

   • No activity from Contributor for X working days

   • No reviewer assigned to PR for X hours

   • More than X hours for PR's Pickup Time

   • More than X comments for a single PR

   • More than X comments for a single issue

3. Track the challenge's progress, and keep goals actual.

4. Assign custom achievements for community heroes.

5. Use custom challenges for some issues with higher complexity or scope. One per week or a few per month is recommended.

6. Ask to share the ideas for new challenges/achievements.

Private Repositories

What to expect after devActivity app installation?

1. Account created, devActivity processes repository metadata for contributions.

2. Based on contributions each contributor is rewarded with XP.

3. Based on XP appropriate Level is assigned.

4. 20+ Challenges available to complete:

   • One-time

   • Monthly

   • Accumulative

5. Public Dashboard with Leaderboard and other widgets available.

6. Org Contributors get email invitations to access devActivity. Who is an Org Contributor?

7. Pull Requests will be commented on by devActivity bot with the following:

   • Summary comment after merge

   • Completed challenges comment

What to do to make even more impact?

1. Community Communication / Team Announcement:

   • Email – sample message

   • Group Chat messages (Slack, Discord, etc) – sample message

2. Useful Resources:

   • Contribution Score and XP

   • XP to Levels Table

   • Challenges Reward Types

3. Engage Feedback and Open Discussion.

What are additional motivations based on Contribution progress?

Meaningful Rewards

1. Offer rewards that are appealing and relevant to your audience. Provide both intrinsic rewards (recognition, status) and extrinsic rewards (discounts, merchandise). Here are some general ideas:

   • Professional Development Opportunities – reward developers with access to conferences, workshops, or online courses to enhance their skills and stay updated on industry trends.

   • Flexible Work Arrangements – offer the flexibility to work remotely, choose preferred work hours, or participate in a "hackathon" week where developers can work on innovative projects.

   • Recognition and Visibility – showcase top-performing developers on the company website, in newsletters, or during team meetings, providing public recognition for their achievements.

   • Gadget or Tech Gear Allowance – provide a budget for developers to purchase gadgets, tech gear, or software tools that contribute to their productivity and enjoyment.

   • Extra Vacation Days – grant additional vacation days as a reward for reaching specific XP milestones or completing challenging projects.

   • Personalized Workspace Upgrades – allow developers to upgrade their workstations with customized equipment, ergonomic furniture, or personalized decorations based on their preferences.

   • Team Outings or Retreats – organize team-building activities, outings, or retreats as a reward for achieving collective goals or milestones.

   • Wellness Programs – introduce wellness programs such as gym memberships, meditation sessions, or health-related workshops to support the physical and mental well-being of developers.

   • Special Project Opportunities – provide the opportunity to work on special projects, research initiatives, or innovation labs as a reward for reaching higher levels or demonstrating exceptional skills.

   • Profit-Sharing or Bonuses – implement a profit-sharing system or provide bonuses based on individual or team achievements, encouraging a sense of shared success.

2. And few ideas for merchandise:

   • Customized Developer Swag – design and offer exclusive swag items such as T-shirts, hoodies, or caps featuring a unique design that represents the development team or achievement levels.

   • Stylish Laptop Stickers – create a set of high-quality laptop stickers that developers can proudly display to showcase their achievements, levels, or special accomplishments.

   • Tech Accessories Bundle – bundle together useful tech accessories like mouse pads, phone stands, and cable organizers with custom branding related to the gamification elements.

   • Customized Water Bottles or Mugs – provide durable water bottles or coffee mugs featuring custom designs, achievement badges, or level indicators to make a functional yet personalized reward.

   • Premium Quality Notebooks – offer high-quality notebooks or journals with custom covers and pages, creating a branded space for developers to jot down ideas, notes, or project plans.

   • Branded USB Drives – design USB drives with the company or gamification branding, possibly pre-loaded with development resources, tools, or exclusive content as a bonus.

   • Game-themed Desk Toys – introduce unique desk toys or figurines related to gaming or coding, adding a playful touch to developers' workspaces.

   • Quality Backpacks or Tech Bags – provide durable backpacks or tech bags with custom embroidery or patches indicating different levels or achievements in the gamification system.

   • Exclusive Developer Pins – create a collection of collectible enamel pins that developers can proudly display on their clothing or accessories, each representing a specific achievement or milestone.

   • Limited Edition Art Prints – commission or create limited edition art prints featuring custom artwork related to the gamification elements, allowing developers to decorate their workspaces with unique pieces.

3. Make a real-world impact. Connect gamification achievements to real-world benefits or social causes. Tie accomplishments to tangible outcomes, such as charity donations or community projects.

How to keep the team engaged with gamification?

1. Personal Development Opportunities. Integrate gamified elements that contribute to the team's professional development. Offer opportunities for skill-building and growth through the gamified system.

2. Social Features and Events. Facilitate social interaction through features like forums, chat, or team events. Organize occasional team-building activities or social events to strengthen connections.

Message Examples

Community Announcements

Discussions

Groups (Discord/Slack)

Inactive Contributors Communication

Direct Contact

Contribution Comment

README file improvements

Contributing section update (or create)

Add a kind of shield at the top to attract

• ! Gamified Contribution Odyssey Shield

• ! Achieve, Game On Shield

• ! Quest for Impact Shield

• ! Contribute, Level Up Shield

CONTRIBUTING file improvements

Shield

• ! Gamified Contribution Odyssey Shield

• ! Achieve, Game On Shield

• ! Quest for Impact Shield

• ! Contribute, Level Up Shield

Gamification Section

1. Sample message.

2. Additional Info:

   • How are contributions rewarded with XP?

   • How are Levels assigned based on earned XP?

   • How are Challenges rewarded with XP?

Recommendations

• Share your gamification case with our community

See also

• Gamification Concept

Questions, Ideas, Improvements

• General

• Ideas/Feature Requests

• Questions & Answers

• Bug Report