Nike+ SportsBand
At the beginning of the month, I threw down some money and purchased a Nike+ SportsBand along with some new running shoes. I had been eyeing the Nike+ gear for some time, and since I needed a new pair of running shoes, I thought, what the heck. Although I have only had it for a week, I am a fan. Let me tell you why. Nike has made running just a little more fun. They have gamified running.
Feedback
In a game environment, feedback is essential. Feedback is basically a response system that feeds information to a player to help them make valid decisions (Dignan, 2011). Nike+ succeeds through real-time and post-run feedback and online community feedback.
Nike has done a great job of providing me with feedback about my runs. While running, I can toggle through the displays on the SportsBand Link to see distance run, pace, time, and calories burned. Once I finish the run, I connect my SportsBand Link to my computer’s USB port, and Nike+ instantly uploads and shows my run data on Nikeplus.com. The SportsBand can store up to 30 hours of run information.
On the Nike+ website, I can visually see how well my run went along with the distance, time, pace, and calories burned. I can see the progress I have made towards my personal goals. Additionally, the Nike+ site tracks total miles run and the overall pace. Nike also lets me record information about my run such as how I was feeling, the type of weather, and the running surface.
Personal Bests and Motivation
Finally, the Nike+ website reports out all my personal bests to include (so far): highest amount of calories burned in a run, the furthest distance run, longest time running, fastest 1K, fastest 5K, and fastest mile. I am confident there are more bests to uncover. I am eager to see them.
By displaying my personal bests, Nike is encouraging me to improve my performance continuously to run faster, longer, and further. Nike considers these records as measurement achievements. Measurement achievements consider how well you completed something (Kapp, 2012). They are feedback mechanisms used to help with individual improvement. Kapp adds that they demonstrate competence and are more closely tied to intrinsic motivation. Because it leverages intrinsic motivation, I am more likely to continue using it .
Achievements
Nike+ has several achievements woven into its program. Users recognize some achievements, but the program surprises them with others. For example, I earned the Double Shot achievement for working out twice in one day. There are others for unique events such as running on Halloween. Elliot Burford has cataloged some achievements. The known achievements are easier to predict. For example, I need only 17 more miles to reach my first level (50km). I also expect some type of visual display once I reach my first goal to run 24 times over the next six weeks.
As Kapp (2012) points out, achievements or tasks should not be too easy or hard. Individuals must believe they can achieve the goal. Each of the achievements and goals that Nike+ makes available increases in difficulty, but they build on previous success and are always within reach.
Social Competition and Encouragement
Prior to using Nike+, I would see Nike+ posts on Facebook and Twitter, and I thought this was a cool way for friends to share their journey. Because I need to get back in shape to even begin running in earnest, I am hesitant to post my runs publicly. In time, I expect I will post some of my better runs and successes. In the meantime, I have invited some of my friends to join me on Nike+ where we can cheer each other on.
Nike+ has varying levels of permissions. You can let anyone see your profile, restrict it to friends, or restrict it to only your view. The same goes for any social media like Facebook and Twitter. You get to decide if you want to connect to these social media outlets, and when to make a post.
Finally, as an added bit of encouragement, the Nike+ website also lets you know where you stand in relation to others of the same gender and age and the entire Nike+ community. You get to see where you compare in terms of miles for the last 30 days, average daily distance, and average pace. Right now, I am behind the average daily distance and slightly behind on the average pace. I expect to improve… I now have new goals to shoot for.
I am fascinated by how game mechanics can affect your motivation. I will let you know how it goes. But if you really want a running adventure, I suggest checking out Zombie, Run!
References
Dignan, A. (2011). Game frame: Using games as strategy for success. New York: Free Press.
Kapp, K. M. (2012). The gamification of learning and instruction : Game-based methods and strategies for training and education. San Francisco, Calif.: Jossey-Bass.
Additional Reading
- Book Review: SuperBetter: The Power of Living Gamefully
- With a Smartphone, Traveling Can Be All Fun and Games
- Book Review: Level Up Your Life
- Are Games Better Than Life?
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