Ruth Schmidt Discusses Gamification in Dirt Newsletter

ID Associate Professor Ruth Schmidt shared her expertise in behavioral design—at the intersection of behavioral science and humanity-centered design—in a two-part series in Dirt. The series explores how gamification shapes—and sometimes distorts—human behavior.

Ruth discussed how quantification affects our relationship with everyday experiences and decision-making.

However, as tech companies increasingly rely on points-based systems to drive engagement, Schmidt discussed an emerging countertrend toward “positive friction” in behavioral design—interventions that encourage users to slow down and be more mindful of their actions rather than chase metrics.

The series, written by Norah Rami, highlights gamification’s dual nature: while it can help track meaningful accomplishments, it often reduces complex human experiences to simple point systems. Rami examines how gamification has evolved from a promising tool for positive change into what often becomes a data-collection mechanism that can trap users in addictive patterns. Schmidt’s contributions illuminate how thoughtful design choices can help create more balanced and human-centered approaches to behavioral change.

Read the series in part one and part two.