TL;DR: Gamification motivates learners through streaks, leaderboards, and rewards—but we need to prioritise learning outcomes over engagement to achieve deep, meaningful learning.
Who is this relevant for? Professionals in Education, Sustainability, Strategy, Marketing, Finance, Design, Policy, Health and Technology—anyone aiming to apply gamification for higher engagement.
🎓 Researchers
Mitchell Shortt, Ohio State University
Shantanu Tilak, Ohio State University
Irina Kuznetcova, Ohio State University
Bethany Martens, Ohio State University
Babatunde Akinkuolie, Ohio State University
📚 The Evidence
A systematic review of studies (2012–2020) highlighted Duolingo’s gamified approach as both a motivator and a limitation. The review identified that while the app boosts initial engagement and helps users build basic skills like vocabulary, it struggles with enabling advanced language skills or practical application.
Citation: Shortt, M. et al. (2023). Gamification in mobile-assisted language learning: A systematic review of Duolingo literature. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 36(3), 517–554.
📊 Key Results
Gamification elements like streaks and leaderboards were highly motivating, with 85% of surveyed users citing these features as reasons to continue using the app.
Heavy reliance on repetitive exercises and translation drills limited development of speaking and writing skills. Studies revealed that only 35% of users felt confident applying their language skills in real-world scenarios after completing lessons.
While 70% of participants appreciated Duolingo’s feedback on mistakes, many noted the lack of depth in grammatical explanations, limiting its usefulness for advanced learners.
👉🏾 Vishal’s Evidence-Based Strategy
1️⃣ Balancing Gamification & Connection
Combine short, game-like drills with activities that promote real-world connections, such as, conversation with a language buddy to support deep learning.
2️⃣ Flexible Learning Streaks
Allow occasional streak breaks without penalty to reduce stress and sustain motivation. Drawing inspiration from the "emergency reserves" research, Duolingo has adopted ‘Streak Repair’ and ‘Streak Freeze’ features so that learners maintain engagement.
3️⃣ Personalised Learning Outcomes
Create more personal learning outcomes, such as, facilitating deeper emotional conversations for romantic partners speaking different first languages—designed to better align language lessons with learners’ motivations.
🧪 Footnote
Evidence evolves over time and will NOT work across all contexts—start with a small experiment to find out what works for your specific challenge and audience. Try our FREE Behavioural by Design toolkit to start your own behavioural science project.
“One of the greatest pleasures games offer is a certain existential balm—a momentary shelter from the existential complexities of ordinary life. In a game, for once in my life, I know exactly what it is that I’m supposed to be doing.”