The adoption of contemporary frameworks such as the HEXAD model brings a nuanced perspective to the process of designing educational experiences. Created by Andrzej Marczewski, HEXAD identifies six user types based on their motivations: Philanthropist, Achiever, Free Spirit, Socialiser, Player, and Disruptor. This method provides a comprehensive approach to recognizing diverse motivations and needs that could be valuable as a new lens to the learning experience design process, and to implementing gamification of learning.

Learning frameworks and models in general, and HEXAD’ in particular for gamification, can be a versatile tool for designers and educators to tailor content, interactions, and environments that resonate with the specific motivations of different groups. By focusing on these motivational archetypes, the model could help us create more engaging and effective learning experiences, acknowledging the complexity and diversity of user engagement in educational contexts.

  • Introducing HEXAD user types

    • Achievers are driven by the desire for mastery and competence. They thrive on challenges and the opportunity to learn and improve. To engage Achievers, incorporate clear learning objectives, levels of progression, and provide feedback on their performance.
    • Socialisers are motivated by relatedness and social interaction. They value opportunities to collaborate and share knowledge with others. To cater to Socialisers, include group activities, discussion forums, and peer feedback mechanisms in your gamified learning design.
    • Philanthropists are driven by purpose and altruism. They seek to give back and help others without expecting anything in return. Engage Philanthropists by incorporating elements that allow them to mentor or support their peers, contribute to a collective goal, or participate in community service projects.
    • Free Spirits are motivated by autonomy and self-expression. They enjoy exploring, creating, and discovering new things on their terms. To appeal to Free Spirits, provide a variety of learning paths, creative assignments, and opportunities for self-directed learning.
    • Players are motivated by rewards. They will participate in learning activities if there are points, badges, or other rewards to be earned. While Players may initially be more extrinsically motivated, the challenge is to design learning experiences that also foster intrinsic motivation by aligning rewards with educational goals.
    • Disruptors are motivated by change. They challenge the status quo and may seek to alter or innovate within the learning environment. Engage Disruptors by offering opportunities for them to provide feedback, suggest improvements, and participate in the design of the learning experience itself.

 

Using the HEXAD Model in Learning Experience Design

Utilizing HEXAD for gamification in education involves identifying the dominant archetypes within the learner population and tailoring gamification elements accordingly. Whether it’s gamifying education to include competitive elements for Achievers or collaborative tasks for Socialisers, the HEXAD model provides a structured approach to enhancing learning through gamification.

  • Approaches to use HEXAD for improving learning experience design
    • Personalization: Tailor learning paths and challenges based on the motivations of different HEXAD types. For example, Achievers might be motivated by advanced challenges and certifications, while Philanthropists may engage more deeply with projects that have a social impact.
    • Engagement Strategies: Design activities and interactions that cater to the diverse motivations of learners. Socialisers, for instance, can be engaged through collaborative projects and peer discussions, while Free Spirits may prefer exploratory and self-directed learning opportunities.
    • Feedback and Rewards: Implement a nuanced system of feedback and rewards that resonates with different types. Players would appreciate a point-based system with tangible rewards, whereas Disruptors might be motivated by opportunities to influence course design or content.
    • Inclusive Design: Recognize and accommodate the diverse motivations and interaction styles of all learners to create an inclusive learning environment. This involves balancing structured and open-ended activities, individual and group tasks, and intrinsic and extrinsic rewards.
    • Continuous Improvement: Use the insights gained from understanding learner archetypes to iterate and improve learning designs continually. Engage learners in the design process, especially those identified as Improvers and Influencers, to harness their insights for enhancing the learning experience.

 

Strategies to make learning engaging for the different types

Intrinsic Types

A landscape with distinct paths leading to a garden (Philanthropist), a mountain peak (Achiever), an open field (Free Spirit), and a village square (Socialiser), symbolizing the journey of intrinsic motivations in the gamification of learning and education.Intrinsic motivation drives learners to engage with content for the joy of learning itself, personal growth, or the satisfaction derived from mastering a topic. These learners are often more engaged and persistent, pursuing knowledge and skills even in the absence of external rewards.

 

  • Philanthropist

    • How to Identify Philanthropist Learners:
      • Volunteers for additional activities that benefit others.
      • Seeks opportunities to assist peers without expecting anything in return.
      • Shows a keen interest in projects with a social impact.
      • Often leads or participates in community service initiatives.
      • Regularly engages in discussions about ethical, social, and global issues.
    • Strategies:
      • Design curriculum projects that address real-world problems.
      • Partner with non-profit organizations for collaborative class projects.
      • Encourage students to initiate social impact projects supported by the curriculum.
      • Integrate peer teaching and support opportunities into learning activities.
      • Showcase stories of social impact and philanthropy related to course content.
      • Organize volunteer opportunities and service days related to course topics.
      • Implement a recognition system for altruistic contributions within the class.
      • Create forums or discussion boards focused on social issues and solutions.
      • Offer optional assignments that contribute to community or global well-being.
      • Develop a mentorship program where students can guide and support each other.

 

  • Achiever

    • How to Identify Achiever Learners:
      • Sets and pursues personal learning goals aggressively.
      • Engages in activities that challenge their understanding and skills.
      • Actively seeks feedback to improve and master content.
      • Enjoys tracking progress through scores, badges, or other markers of achievement.
      • Often participates in competitive learning environments to test their skills.
    • Strategies:
      • Establish clear, measurable learning objectives and milestones.
      • Provide badges, certificates, or other recognitions for achievements.
      • Create levels or stages in course content that reflect increasing mastery.
      • Offer challenges or competitions that allow achievers to demonstrate their skills.
      • Use leaderboards to celebrate high achievers in a public forum.
      • Implement self-assessment tools that allow learners to track their progress.
      • Provide advanced modules or content for deep dives into subjects of interest.
      • Encourage achievers to lead study groups or discussion sessions.
      • Offer personalized learning paths that adjust to individual progress and success.
      • Recognize and reward improvement and mastery publicly.

 

  • Free Spirit

    • How to Identify Free Spirit Learners:
      • Prefers learning environments that offer choice and autonomy.
      • Engages deeply with content that allows for exploration and discovery.
      • Often works on projects or tasks in a unique or innovative way.
      • Seeks out resources and learning opportunities beyond the provided material.
      • Resists highly structured or controlled learning scenarios.
    • Strategies:
      • Provide a variety of learning paths and options within the course.
      • Encourage individual or group projects that allow for creative expression.
      • Offer resources and tools that support self-directed exploration.
      • Create assignments with open-ended outcomes to accommodate creative solutions.
      • Implement gamification elements that encourage exploration.
      • Facilitate access to a wide range of learning materials and platforms.
      • Support the pursuit of personal interests related to the course topic.
      • Organize workshops or sessions on creative problem-solving and innovation.
      • Provide opportunities for students to showcase their unique projects and discoveries.
      • Encourage peer-to-peer learning exchanges to explore diverse perspectives.

 

  • Socialiser

    • How to Identify Socialiser Learners:
      • Thrives in collaborative and team-based learning settings.
      • Frequently engages in class discussions and group activities.
      • Utilizes social networks or forums to connect with peers and instructors.
      • Prefers learning activities that require communication and interaction.
      • Often takes on roles that support or facilitate group learning and cohesion.
    • Strategies:
      • Design group projects that require collaborative problem-solving.
      • Utilize discussion forums and social media platforms to enhance course interaction.
      • Implement peer review and collaborative feedback mechanisms.
      • Create study groups or learning communities within the course structure.
      • Facilitate live sessions for discussion, Q&A, and interactive lectures.
      • Promote the use of collaborative tools for shared learning experiences and projects.
      • Encourage roles within groups that capitalize on diverse skills and strengths.
      • Organize class debates or discussions on relevant topics to foster engagement.
      • Establish a mentor or buddy system for new students or challenging courses.
      • Recognize and celebrate contributions that enhance the learning community.

 

Player Types

A representationn of several different paths where you can collect different rewards such as gold, medals, tokens, in the quest to gamify learning experiences to make education engaging.Extrinsic motivation in learning environments, particularly in gamified settings, is driven by external rewards such as points, badges, or levels. Players, motivated by these rewards, engage in learning activities to achieve these tangible outcomes. Understanding the subtypes of Player learners—Self-Seekers, Consumers, Exploiters, and Networkers—allows educators to tailor strategies that leverage these motivations to foster deeper engagement and learning.

 

  • Self-Seeker

    • How to Identify Self-Seeker Learners:
      • Participates in learning activities for recognition or rewards.
      • Engages in forums or discussions when incentivized.
      • Prefers tasks that promise personal gain over communal benefits.
      • Showcases achievements or rewards as symbols of status.
      • Often motivates peers to participate in activities for collective rewards.
    • Strategies:
      • Offer digital badges or certificates for individual accomplishments.
      • Implement a reward system for participation in discussions and forums.
      • Recognize and highlight top contributors in newsletters or announcements.
      • Provide opportunities for leadership roles tied to tangible rewards.
      • Organize contests where learners can showcase their knowledge for prizes.
      • Encourage content creation with rewards for best submissions.
      • Facilitate peer recognition programs with rewards for nominees.
      • Offer exclusive access to resources or content as a reward for achievements.
      • Create personalized feedback loops that acknowledge individual progress.
      • Implement a points system for engagement that can be exchanged for privileges.

 

  • Consumer

    • How to Identify Consumer Learners:
      • Engages with content primarily when rewards are offered.
      • Prefers straightforward tasks with guaranteed rewards.
      • Shows keen interest in accumulating points, badges, or other reward types.
      • Often calculates the effort/reward ratio before participating.
      • Seeks out learning activities that offer the most rewards for the least effort.
    • Strategies:
      • Design a clear and straightforward rewards structure for course activities.
      • Offer immediate rewards for completing learning modules or quizzes.
      • Implement a loyalty program that rewards consistent participation.
      • Organize regular challenges or competitions with instant rewards.
      • Provide incremental rewards that build towards larger prizes.
      • Offer bonus rewards for streaks or milestones in course participation.
      • Create a rewards catalog where points can be redeemed for prizes.
      • Utilize surprise rewards for engagement to maintain interest.
      • Offer micro-credentials for completing sets of activities.
      • Encourage participation in group activities with team rewards.

 

  • Exploiter

    • How to Identify Exploiter Learners:
      • Looks for loopholes or shortcuts in learning activities for rewards.
      • May attempt to game the system for maximum rewards with minimal effort.
      • Shows interest in the mechanics of the reward system to find advantages.
      • Often shares tips or tricks with peers on maximizing reward gains.
      • May exploit collaborative activities for personal gain.
    • Strategies:
      • Regularly review and adjust the reward system to close loopholes.
      • Offer challenges that require genuine effort and learning to complete.
      • Implement safeguards to prevent exploitation of collaborative tasks.
      • Recognize and reward integrity and honesty in the learning process.
      • Engage exploiters in testing new systems or features for vulnerabilities.
      • Provide alternative paths to rewards that encourage deeper engagement.
      • Monitor engagement metrics closely to identify and address exploitative behavior.
      • Create a reporting system for learners to flag potential exploits.
      • Offer rewards for constructive feedback on improving the learning environment.
      • Implement a tiered reward system that rewards effort and learning over gaming.

 

  • Networker

    • How to Identify Networker Learners:
      • Engages in activities that offer networking opportunities with peers or professionals.
      • Prefers learning tasks that can be leveraged for professional advancement.
      • Utilizes learning platforms to connect with others for potential gain.
      • Often participates in group discussions or projects to meet new contacts.
      • Seeks out mentorship or collaboration opportunities for career benefits.
    • Strategies:
      • Facilitate networking events or virtual meetups related to course topics.
      • Offer mentorship programs linking learners with industry professionals.
      • Implement group projects that encourage collaboration and networking.
      • Utilize discussion boards for sharing professional experiences and opportunities.
      • Encourage the use of LinkedIn or professional platforms for course-related networking.
      • Organize guest lectures or Q&A sessions with professionals in the field.
      • Provide opportunities for learners to present their projects to peers and professionals.
      • Create a portfolio project that learners can use to showcase their skills.
      • Encourage participation in professional associations or conferences.
      • Offer badges or credentials that can be shared on professional networking sites.

 

Disruptor Types

A character at a crossroads creating a new path with a stick, with lightning in the background, representing Disrputor player styles, in HEXAD model of gamification of learnninng.Disruptor learners bring a unique dynamic to the learning environment. Their actions can challenge the status quo, pushing for changes that might improve or sometimes destabilize the educational framework. Understanding and effectively channeling the energies of Disruptor subtypes—Griefers, Destroyers, Influencers, and Improvers—can turn potential disruptions into opportunities for growth and innovation.

  • Griefer

    • How to Identify Griefer Learners:
      • Engages in activities that intentionally disrupt others’ learning experiences.
      • Shows resistance to rules and guidelines without constructive feedback.
      • May provoke or antagonize peers or instructors.
      • Demonstrates behavior aimed at causing chaos or conflict.
      • Rarely contributes positively to group tasks or discussions.
    • Strategies:
      • Establish clear, enforceable guidelines and consequences for disruptive behavior.
      • Provide channels for expressing dissatisfaction constructively.
      • Engage directly to understand the root causes of their behavior.
      • Offer alternative avenues for engagement that allow for expression without harm.
      • Implement conflict resolution and digital citizenship training.

 

  • Destroyer

    • How to Identify Destroyer Learners:
      • Actively seeks to exploit system vulnerabilities.
      • May attempt to hack or bypass digital learning platforms.
      • Shows a keen interest in the mechanics of learning systems for potential misuse.
      • Often challenges the integrity of the learning process.
      • Suggests radical, sometimes impractical, changes to the system.
    • Strategies:
      • Involve in ethical hacking or cybersecurity initiatives to channel skills positively.
      • Regularly audit and update security measures of learning platforms.
      • Offer roles in beta testing new tools or features.
      • Provide constructive outlets for their technical skills, such as coding projects.
      • Recognize and reward positive contributions to system security.

 

  • Influencer

    • How to Identify Influencer Learners:
      • Possesses a strong presence in class discussions, often swaying peer opinions.
      • Utilizes social platforms effectively to share ideas or gather support.
      • Advocates for changes in the learning environment.
      • Frequently leads group projects or discussions.
      • Inspires and motivates peers through charisma or persuasive communication.
    • Strategies:
      • Create leadership or ambassador roles within the course or learning community.
      • Involve influencers in peer mentoring programs.
      • Organize panels or forums where they can share insights or lead discussions.
      • Facilitate project-based learning that allows influencers to guide teams.
      • Encourage the development and sharing of digital content that supports learning goals.

  • Improver

    • How to Identify Improver Learners:
      • Offers constructive feedback aimed at enhancing the learning experience.
      • Demonstrates a proactive approach to solving problems within the learning environment.
      • Engages in discussions about improving course content or structure.
      • Shows interest in pedagogical theories or educational design.
      • Frequently suggests new tools, resources, or methods to enhance learning.
    • Strategies:
      • Implement a structured feedback loop that regularly gathers and acts on suggestions.
      • Involve improvers in user experience research for course design.
      • Offer workshops or sessions on educational design and innovation.
      • Create a committee or group focused on continuous improvement initiatives.
      • Recognize and celebrate implemented improvements originating from learner suggestions.

 

What is my HEXAD Type?

Your HEXAD type can be a combination of different motivational styles. By taking the HEXAD type test, you’ll discover your dominant and secondary motivations. Keep in mind, these preferences can evolve with your experiences and goals.

Take the HEXAD Type test

 

HEXAD for gamified learning experience design

To design a gamified learning experience that is engaging for all types of learners, it is crucial to:

  1. Understand your learners: Use the HEXAD framework to assess the predominant user types in your learner population.
  2. Incorporate diverse game mechanics: Design learning activities and challenges that appeal to different user types. For example, include competitive elements for Achievers, collaborative projects for Socialisers, creative assignments for Free Spirits, and systems for earning and redeeming rewards for Players.
  3. Balance intrinsic and extrinsic motivation: While rewards can be effective in motivating Players, it’s important to ensure that the learning activities are intrinsically rewarding and aligned with the educational objectives.
  4. Provide autonomy and choice: Offer learners choices in how they engage with the material, the paths they take, and the ways they demonstrate their knowledge.
  5. Foster a sense of community: Create opportunities for learners to interact, share experiences, and support each other. This not only engages Socialisers but also builds a supportive learning environment for all participants. If you want to explore how communities feel, start by epxloring your own, checking out some of the top communities for learning experience designers.
  6. Iterate and adapt: Use feedback from your learners to continuously improve the gamified learning experience. Be prepared to adjust the design to better meet the needs and motivations of your learners.

 

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