Gamification and engagement with a cycling intervention: the effects of short- and long-term goal setting in promoting behavior change

Abstract

Gamification, the use of game-design elements in non-game contexts, is one approach to promote cycling as a travel mode. This study explored the effects of short- and long-term goals on cycling behavior in the context of a gamified app with monetary rewards. Weekly challenges (short-term goals) and trophies (long-term goals) were evaluated in a within-subject design across three periods: base gamification, challenges+trophies, and trophies-only. Mixed-effects models showed that adding challenges and trophies to the app increased daily cycled kilometers, but only among men (b=1.4km, p=.003) and regular cyclists (b=1.8, p=.001). Cycling increased further when challenges were removed (1.8km, p=.001), and the effect was not moderated by gender and cycling frequency at baseline. The findings reveal that goals can increase cycling on top of other gamification elements, including monetary rewards. However, the study highlights the limitations of gamified goal setting as a tool to support behavior change among less regular cyclists.