Sensation

In 2004, game designers Robin Hunicke, Marc LeBlanc, and Robert Zubek published a paper titled MDA: A Formal Approach to Game Design and Game Research, which outlines 8 different types of fun found in games. One of these types is sensation, which is all about engaging the senses.^[1]

Sensation involves visual and auditory elements that enhance the player's experience. Consider the game Candy Crush, which excels in visual and auditory stimulation.

Sensory elements in gamification include:

• Touch: In physical board games, the act of moving pieces around the board can be satisfying. In a gamified app, touch interactions might involve dragging and dropping elements or swiping actions that feel intuitive and rewarding.
• Auditory: Music and audio feedback might be used to signify correct answers or achievements, enhancing the satisfaction of progress.
• Visual: Stunning visuals and animated effects can make even simple tasks enjoyable.