Episode description

Learning Games have been popular in L&D for a number of years but whilst the number of games designed and launched for organisational use has been significant, whether they’ve achieved what they’re designed for is another matter. So what does it take to design Learning Games that affect performance and results - and when is it most appropriate? We explore these questions and much more in this episode.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Learning games are still very basic, not user-centric, and not even considered to be game-centric. People seem to expect that the addition of leaderboards or the like are enough to create a lasting, impactful experience.
• Games must be designed around business objectives. We must clearly and initially identify the problem we need to solve before thinking about how to use games to get there.
• We must design for success. Why are we looking at learning, and what can we do to design true innovation into the learning experience we hope to offer?
• Games help with specific needs, and aid in a targeted way. For maximum effectiveness, they must be deployed en masse, and if no other type of learning will suit the audience and need.
• While many L&D budgets are low, it is simply not good enough to produce something lacking in quality and effectiveness. It must meet expectations. 

BEST MOMENTS

‘In learning game terms, we’re still in the Pong era’

‘It’s really hard to build a game that gets any kind of traction’

‘What does success look like? What is it that you want your learners to do differently?'

‘Games are not a silver bullet’

‘Game learning is incredibly effective if done well'

VALUABLE RESOURC ES

The Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523

ABOUT THE GUEST

Deborah Baird is Learning Design Lead at Philip Morris International as well as a Game Learning Producer and Lecturer. A self-confessed game fanatic, Deborah combines her passion for Learning and Gaming to produce solutions that solve real business problems.

You can follow and connect with Deborah via:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gamelearndebs/

ABOUT THE HOST

David James

David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

As well as being the Chief Learning Strategist at Looop, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D as well as an active member of the CIPD L&D Advisory Board.

CONTACT METHOD

• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/davidinlearning/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin/
• Website: https://www.looop.co/