Can gamification help solve the University of Malta student car parking problem? : a local study

Abstract

PURPOSE: Finding a plausible solution for solving the University of Malta student car park space deficiency, using gamification elements. DESIGN: A 7 week longitudinal experimental research, comparing the choice of transportation, behaviour, and motivation levels of two separate sample groups. FINDINGS: A shift in choice of transport was achieved in one of the groups, thanks to the introduction of gamification elements. CONCLUSIONS: Gamification in this context was capable of motivating University of Malta students to make use of alternative means of transportation other than their private vehicles, and as a result lessen the burden of the lack of student car park space. VALUE: The findings of this study can be used as a framework to be applied on a larger scale when it comes to choice of transportation. Moreover, this study is another evident example of the success of gamification in bringing about a change in human behaviour through the use of extrinsic and intrinsic motivators.