A framework for promoting behavioral change through game design elements in social marketing

 This paper presents a conceptual and practical framework designed to integrate game design elements into social marketing practices, aiming to enhance user engagement and intrinsic motivation. Addressing a gap in existing generalist models, the proposed framework is grounded in the principles of T...

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Main Authors: Paulo Henrique Serrano, Nelsio Abreu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Instituto de Gestão e das Organizações da Saúde 2025-06-01
Series:Gestão e Desenvolvimento
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Online Access:https://revistas.ucp.pt/index.php/gestaoedesenvolvimento/article/view/17691
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author Paulo Henrique Serrano
Nelsio Abreu
author_facet Paulo Henrique Serrano
Nelsio Abreu
author_sort Paulo Henrique Serrano
collection DOAJ
description  This paper presents a conceptual and practical framework designed to integrate game design elements into social marketing practices, aiming to enhance user engagement and intrinsic motivation. Addressing a gap in existing generalist models, the proposed framework is grounded in the principles of Transformative Consumer Research (TCR) and the Capability Approach, providing a targeted solution for promoting pro-social behaviors. The framework, titled LOP (Listen, Observe, Play), is structured around six key stages: activating pre-existing knowledge, characterizing players, recognizing the environment, identifying variables, implementing game design elements, and testing and evaluating indicators. Initial insights from exploratory application indicate that the framework may have potential to enhance user engagement and support behavior change, while also highlighting challenges in scaling and adapting it to diverse technological environments. Despite these limitations, the framework offers a promising methodological tool for practitioners and researchers interested in designing interventions that are contextually meaningful and aligned with individuals’ values and capabilities. Future research should focus on the validation of the model across diverse populations and social contexts to refine its applicability and broaden its impact. By aligning theoretical foundations with practical application, this framework contributes to the advancement of social marketing strategies that harness the motivational potential of game design to drive positive change.
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institution Kabale University
issn 0872-556X
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language English
publishDate 2025-06-01
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series Gestão e Desenvolvimento
spelling doaj-art-bb79d6a2943d4743bb13f5ff619a597b2025-08-20T03:44:52ZengUniversidade Católica Portuguesa, Instituto de Gestão e das Organizações da SaúdeGestão e Desenvolvimento0872-556X2184-56382025-06-013310.34632/gestaoedesenvolvimento.2025.17691A framework for promoting behavioral change through game design elements in social marketingPaulo Henrique SerranoNelsio Abreu  This paper presents a conceptual and practical framework designed to integrate game design elements into social marketing practices, aiming to enhance user engagement and intrinsic motivation. Addressing a gap in existing generalist models, the proposed framework is grounded in the principles of Transformative Consumer Research (TCR) and the Capability Approach, providing a targeted solution for promoting pro-social behaviors. The framework, titled LOP (Listen, Observe, Play), is structured around six key stages: activating pre-existing knowledge, characterizing players, recognizing the environment, identifying variables, implementing game design elements, and testing and evaluating indicators. Initial insights from exploratory application indicate that the framework may have potential to enhance user engagement and support behavior change, while also highlighting challenges in scaling and adapting it to diverse technological environments. Despite these limitations, the framework offers a promising methodological tool for practitioners and researchers interested in designing interventions that are contextually meaningful and aligned with individuals’ values and capabilities. Future research should focus on the validation of the model across diverse populations and social contexts to refine its applicability and broaden its impact. By aligning theoretical foundations with practical application, this framework contributes to the advancement of social marketing strategies that harness the motivational potential of game design to drive positive change. https://revistas.ucp.pt/index.php/gestaoedesenvolvimento/article/view/17691Social marketingGame-based strategiesTransformative consumer research
spellingShingle Paulo Henrique Serrano
Nelsio Abreu
A framework for promoting behavioral change through game design elements in social marketing
Gestão e Desenvolvimento
Social marketing
Game-based strategies
Transformative consumer research
title A framework for promoting behavioral change through game design elements in social marketing
title_full A framework for promoting behavioral change through game design elements in social marketing
title_fullStr A framework for promoting behavioral change through game design elements in social marketing
title_full_unstemmed A framework for promoting behavioral change through game design elements in social marketing
title_short A framework for promoting behavioral change through game design elements in social marketing
title_sort framework for promoting behavioral change through game design elements in social marketing
topic Social marketing
Game-based strategies
Transformative consumer research
url https://revistas.ucp.pt/index.php/gestaoedesenvolvimento/article/view/17691
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